a serious try

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious try" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing the earnestness or sincerity of an attempt at something. Example: "I gave it a serious try, but unfortunately, I couldn't solve the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

In 1999, they decided to give the relationship a serious try.

The New York Times - Style

Pushing them so far against their ideological grain is bound to take time, but is still worth a serious try.

The Economist

In any case, Park will be under popular pressure to give engagement with North Korea a serious try.

The New York Times

But, given the events of the past week, the Democrats might finally be ready to give it a serious try.

The New Yorker

Although I may not be a big star and can't attest to long-term results, I was excited enough to want to give this workout a serious try.

The New York Times - Arts

Four years ago, Kerkdijk teamed up with an environmental consultant named Ronald Goderie to start the TaurOs program, the stated goal of which is to give "the rebuilding of the aurochs a serious try".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"I don't think either one of us made a serious attempt to try to seek each other out," Scott said.

The New York Times - Sports

On the "Today" Show, Mr. Recchion, the jury foreman, said the jurors did make a serious effort to try and reach consensus on all counts when they were asked to return to deliberations on Thursday, but they could not.

The New York Times

The Philadelphia matter aside, Ms. Bottorff of AHL Services said that her company made a serious effort to try to hire and train qualified screeners who could perform a crucial aviation safety job without alienating passengers, whose main goal is usually just to get through a gate quickly.

The New York Times

But it was a serious attempt to try to define quite subtle colourings".

Wikipedia

I am glad CNN made a serious effort to try and get it right.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a serious try" when you want to emphasize that an attempt was made with genuine intent and significant effort. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "a determined attempt" or "a genuine endeavor" in highly formal writing to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious try" functions as a noun phrase, where "serious" modifies the noun "try". Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and usable in various written contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a serious try" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase employed to emphasize the sincerity and effort put into an attempt. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase functions as a noun phrase and is primarily found in news and media contexts. While acceptable in both formal and informal settings, writers might opt for more formal synonyms like "a genuine endeavor" in professional communications. Use "a serious try" to convey that an attempt was made with genuine intent, but be mindful of its register in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sincere effort

Highlights the genuineness and honesty of the effort.

a real effort

Stresses the authenticity and validity of the effort.

a determined attempt

Emphasizes the resolve behind the attempt.

a committed effort

Focuses on the dedication and investment in the attempt.

a genuine endeavor

Suggests a more formal and earnest undertaking.

a dedicated attempt

Highlights single-minded focus on the endeavor.

a spirited attempt

Suggests enthusiasm and vigor in the attempt.

a substantial attempt

Implies a significant and considerable effort.

a vigorous effort

Highlights the energy and intensity of the effort.

a painstaking attempt

Emphasizes the care and attention to detail in the attempt.

FAQs

How can I use "a serious try" in a sentence?

You can use "a serious try" to describe an attempt made with genuine effort. For example, "I gave it "a serious try", but I failed".

What are some alternatives to "a serious try"?

Some alternatives include "a determined attempt", "a sincere effort", or "a genuine endeavor" depending on the context.

Is "a serious try" formal or informal?

"A serious try" is appropriate for both formal and informal situations, though more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain professional contexts.

When should I use "a serious attempt" instead of "a serious try"?

"A serious attempt" is very similar in meaning and often interchangeable. However, "try" might imply a more exploratory approach, while "attempt" suggests a more structured effort. In essence, "a serious attempt" could be considered a synonym.