a small attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor effort or endeavor made towards achieving something. Example: "Despite the challenges, I made a small attempt to reach out and connect with my old friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It's simply a small attempt to redress an imbalance.

The Guardian - Books

For that regrettable ignorance the following is a small attempt at a remedy.

The New Yorker

It is a small attempt to bridge India's great and growing gulf.

The New York Times

"It's not going to be the panacea, but it's a small attempt".

The New York Times

The last time I baked this crostata, I made a small attempt to gussy it up by scattering a bunch of lemon thyme over the top.

The New York Times - Food

Our study makes a small attempt to try and settle the argument by showing that, on average, aggregate life satisfaction goes down as the richest becomes richer.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

In order to build the NPS for posterity, we all have to make at least a small effort to block similar attempts to destroy the system.

Huffington Post

Residents and 6th year students show a significant though small attempt at refuting the clinically suggested diagnoses.

BMC Medical Education

This is a small-scale attempt at something like that that people might actually use.

TechCrunch

This move is one small attempt in a larger overall plan to help the company turn this around.

TechCrunch

This is one small attempt in a way that made sense for me and hopefully means something to the teachers of Ferguson.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small attempt" when you want to downplay the significance or impact of an action. It's suitable when acknowledging limitations or expressing humility about the effort made.

Common error

Avoid using "a small attempt" when the effort is actually substantial or has a significant impact. This can create a false impression of modesty or undermine the true value of the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small attempt" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It is often used to describe a minor or modest effort made towards a specific goal. Ludwig's examples show this phrase used in various contexts, consistently indicating a limited undertaking.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a small attempt" is a noun phrase used to describe a minor or modest effort. It's grammatically correct and suitable for various writing contexts, especially when conveying humility or acknowledging limitations. As Ludwig shows, it frequently appears in news and media, as well as scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure that the effort is indeed small, and you are not overstating it. Alternatives like "a modest effort" or "a slight endeavor" can be used depending on the specific context. According to Ludwig, this phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a modest effort

Emphasizes the humility and limited scale of the undertaking.

a slight endeavor

Highlights the somewhat tentative and not overly ambitious nature of the action.

a minor undertaking

Focuses on the size and scope of the project being addressed.

a limited trial

Suggests a test run or experiment with restricted parameters.

a tentative step

Conveys caution and a lack of commitment to full-scale action.

a preliminary measure

Implies that the action is preparatory and precedes further, more significant steps.

an initial stab

Suggests a first try, possibly clumsy or unskilled.

a token gesture

Highlights the symbolic nature of the action, potentially lacking real impact.

a starting point

Focuses on the action as an origin or initiation of something larger.

a partial solution

Underscores that the action only addresses a portion of the overall problem.

FAQs

How can I use "a small attempt" in a sentence?

You can use "a small attempt" to describe a minor effort made towards achieving something. For example, "This project is "a small attempt" to address the issue of climate change."

What are some alternatives to "a small attempt"?

Some alternatives include "a modest effort", "a slight endeavor", or "a minor undertaking". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a small attempt" in formal writing?

Yes, "a small attempt" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you want to convey humility or acknowledge the limitations of an action. However, ensure that the tone aligns with the overall formality of the piece.

What's the difference between "a small attempt" and "a large attempt"?

"A small attempt" indicates a limited effort or undertaking, while "a large attempt" suggests a substantial and significant effort. The choice depends on the scale and scope of the action being described.