a slight attempt to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight attempt to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a minimal or modest effort made towards achieving something. Example: "She made a slight attempt to improve her public speaking skills by practicing in front of a mirror."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Myers made a slight attempt to dislodge himself from the embrace, but Hemingway held on to him affectionately.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But I have never been censored, nor has the company ever made the slightest attempt to get me to modify a particular view.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is not the slightest attempt to conceal his agenda.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not that Datarock makes even the slightest attempt to hide its influences.

The New York Times

His father never made the slightest attempt to conceal his extra marital affairs, and Cumming thinks that explains why "I've never felt shame about sex.

The Guardian

These anonymous quotes are highly contentious, writes Petley, "yet there is not the slightest attempt to quote opposing or even merely sceptical viewpoints".

The Guardian

Why do politicians have this cowardly habit of standing by while their supporters say ridiculous things, without making the slightest attempt to set them straight?

The New York Times

But the legislative battle right here shows how even the slightest attempts to impose restrictions on guns can run into withering resistance, made all the more pointed by the escalation in firepower.

The New York Times

"This was not in any way an attempt to slight the Palestinians and everyone knows that," Mr. Stevens said.

The New York Times

A desperate attempt to save his marriage?

The New York Times - Books

Make a reasonable attempt to make amends.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure that the context supports the idea of a minor or limited effort. Avoid using it when describing substantial or significant undertakings.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight attempt to" when the action described clearly involves significant effort or resources. This can create a mismatch between your language and the reality of the situation, undermining your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight attempt to" functions as a modifier describing the nature of the effort being made. It indicates that the effort is minimal or not very significant. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slight attempt to" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a minimal or modest effort. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across different contexts. It's frequently found in news and media but appears in Wiki and Science as well. When writing, consider the best practices: use it to understate or soften the description of the effort and avoid it when the effort is significant. Alternatives like "a minor effort to" or "a small try to" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor effort to

Replaces "attempt" with "effort" and "slight" with "minor", indicating a small degree of exertion.

a small try to

Substitutes "attempt" with "try" and "slight" with "small", emphasizing the limited scope of the undertaking.

a modest endeavor to

Replaces "attempt" with "endeavor" and "slight" with "modest", suggesting a humble effort.

a limited effort to

Uses "limited" instead of "slight" to convey the constrained nature of the effort.

a tentative stab at

Employs "tentative stab" to imply an experimental and uncertain approach.

a gentle push toward

Uses metaphorical language to describe a mild effort.

a token gesture to

Indicates an action done mainly for appearance's sake.

a halfhearted effort at

Suggests a lack of enthusiasm or commitment.

a superficial approach to

Implies a lack of depth or thoroughness.

a perfunctory action toward

Suggests an action carried out with minimal effort or reflection.

FAQs

How can I use "a slight attempt to" in a sentence?

You can use "a slight attempt to" when describing a minimal or modest effort made towards achieving something. For example: "She made "a slight attempt to" improve her public speaking skills by practicing in front of a mirror."

What are some alternatives to "a slight attempt to"?

You can use alternatives like "a minor effort to", "a small try to", or "a modest endeavor to" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a slight attempt to" instead of "a significant attempt to"?

Use "a slight attempt to" when the effort is minimal or modest. Use "a significant attempt to" when the effort is substantial and noteworthy. The choice depends on the scale and impact of the action.

Is it better to say "a slight attempt at" or "a slight attempt to"?

While both are grammatically acceptable, "a slight attempt to" is more common when followed by a verb, indicating an action. "A slight attempt at" is more suitable when followed by a noun, indicating a thing. For example, "a slight attempt to improve" vs. "a slight attempt at a solution".