a small attempt to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small attempt to" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used when you want to suggest that you are making a small effort towards something, or to highlight the minor nature of an action. For example: "He made a small attempt to apologize, but it was not enough to make up for his misdeeds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

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

The Guardian - Books

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

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

That increase was included as a small attempt to blunt the pain of a recession that was disproportionally affecting the poor.

The Guardian - Opinion

in this list as a small attempt to bring more notice to the MTV comedy, which featured raunchy yet hilarious dialogue and a surprisingly thoughtful, generous heart.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 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

But then, in a small, ineffectual attempt to overcome his own passivity, Ed allows himself to be suckered by a garrulous traveling salesman (Jon Polito), who is looking for investors in a dry-cleaning venture.

The New York Times

Most of "Waiting in the Wings" is simply anecdotal, having to do with the appearance of a pushy newspaper reporter, a small fire, attempts to get the management to build a solarium, and the celebration of New Year's Eve.

The New York Times - Arts

The scenario described here in which a discovery analysis of a particular phenotype in a small sample attempts to replicate putative associations in silico, in much larger meta-analyses of similar phenotypes, is likely to become more common in human genetics as GWAS data accumulate.

Biological Psychiatry

The essence of his critique was that Mr Duncan Smith had revealed himself as a small man, attempting to surround himself with ideological soul-mates and political toadies.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "a small attempt to" with adverbs like 'sincerely' or 'genuinely' to emphasize the intention behind the effort.

Common error

Relying too heavily on "a small attempt to" can make your writing seem passive or lacking in conviction. Vary your language by using stronger verbs or more descriptive phrases to showcase commitment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small attempt to" serves as a qualifier, typically followed by a verb, to indicate that an action is being undertaken with limited scope or ambition. Ludwig AI validates its common and correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

23%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small attempt to" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for describing actions of limited scope. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, showing it is found primarily in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it is important to consider the intention of tempering expectations. Be aware of overuse, and vary your phrasing to maintain a dynamic writing style. Consider related phrases such as "a modest effort to" or "a minor endeavor to" for alternative phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a modest effort to

Emphasizes the limited scale of the undertaking.

a minor endeavor to

Highlights the relatively insignificant or trivial nature of the effort.

a preliminary step to

Focuses on the action as an initial measure.

an initial effort to

Highlights the beginning stage of the endeavor.

a slight undertaking to

Underscores the delicate or minimal commitment.

a token gesture to

Suggests the action is performed primarily for appearance.

a limited initiative to

Stresses the constrained scope and resources involved.

a tentative move to

Implies hesitation or uncertainty in the action.

a humble approach to

Indicates a simple and unpretentious beginning.

a fledgling endeavor to

Conveys the idea of a new and fragile attempt.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small attempt to" to describe a minor effort made towards a specific goal, for example, "This donation is "a small attempt to" alleviate the suffering caused by the disaster".

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

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

Is it better to use "a small attempt to" or "a big attempt to"?

The choice depends on the magnitude of the effort you're describing. Use "a small attempt to" when the effort is minor or limited, and use "a significant attempt to" or "a major effort to" when the effort is substantial.

When should I use "a small attempt to" in formal writing?

Use "a small attempt to" in formal writing when you want to acknowledge the limitations of an action or avoid overstating its importance. Be sure that your tone is professional and the use of this construction is appropriate in the context. Ensure the phrasing is appropriate for a formal setting.