a thoughtful attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thoughtful attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an effort that has been made with careful consideration or reflection. Example: "Her proposal was a thoughtful attempt to address the community's concerns about the new development project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Ziya Paşa's poetic anthology Harabat (1874; "Mystical Taverns") is a thoughtful attempt to evaluate the Ottoman literary heritage and to create a classical canon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And before it shifts into the thriller aspect of the story, "The Missing" feels like a thoughtful attempt to focus on the strains of home life.

The New York Times

This feels like a thoughtful attempt to give the depiction of home life some weight, a quality not evident in Mr. Howard's previous work.

The New York Times

This is a thoughtful attempt to go beyond schemes elsewhere in the region, by linking cash transfers to the poor to their children's school performance and to retraining courses for the unemployed.

The Economist

Pivot is barely a network yet — it's more of a soft launch — but, at its best, it feels like a thoughtful attempt to reach young viewers without relying on pre-chewed assumptions about who they are.

The New Yorker

Harvard University Press; 288 pages; $39.95 and £29.95 A thoughtful attempt to put what we think we know about biotechnology into a larger context, by a physicist-turned-bio-entrepreneur.The Rational Optimist: How Prosperity Evolves.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

It is an elaborate and thoughtful attempt to use the potential of the Web to foster dialog between spiritual practices.

Huffington Post

"This is the first deliberate and thoughtful attempt to apply education technology to bringing instruction to scale.

The New York Times

And "The Problem of Susan" is his thoughtful attempt to make the troublesome coda of C. S. Lewis's novel "The Last Battle" (in which young Susan Pevensie is denied entry into Narnia) even more distressing.

The New York Times - Books

In 1995, then-Senator Biden introduced S. 564, a proposed Use of Force Act, which is still one of the most thoughtful attempts at recalibrating interbranch relations in this critical area.

Huffington Post

Both proposals would have significantly changed the building; both are thoughtful attempts to fuse old and new without compromising either.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a thoughtful attempt", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the careful consideration or planning that went into the effort. This adds credibility and weight to your statement.

Common error

Avoid describing something as "a thoughtful attempt" simply to be polite. Ensure there's actual evidence of careful thought and planning to support the description; otherwise, it can sound insincere or even sarcastic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thoughtful attempt" functions as a noun phrase, where "thoughtful" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "attempt". It describes the quality or nature of the attempt being made. As Ludwig AI suggests, it signifies an effort characterized by careful consideration or reflection.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a thoughtful attempt" is a noun phrase used to describe an effort characterized by careful consideration and planning. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and usable, serving to emphasize the deliberate nature of an endeavor. While the phrase carries a generally positive connotation, it can sometimes imply that the attempt, despite being well-considered, may not have been fully successful. It appears most frequently in news and media sources, suggesting a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, ensure that the context supports the assertion that the attempt was indeed thoughtful, and consider alternatives such as "a considered effort" or "a well-reasoned approach" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considered effort

Emphasizes the care and deliberation involved in the effort.

a deliberate endeavor

Highlights the intentional and planned nature of the undertaking.

a well-reasoned approach

Focuses on the logical and rational basis of the attempt.

a carefully planned strategy

Stresses the meticulous preparation and tactical thinking behind the attempt.

a conscientious undertaking

Highlights the moral and ethical considerations involved.

a mindful approach

Suggests an awareness and attentiveness in the execution.

a reflective initiative

Emphasizes the introspection and contemplation that informed the attempt.

a studious effort

Highlights the research and learning involved in the attempt.

an intelligent endeavor

Stresses the cleverness and ingenuity applied.

a discerning approach

Highlights the good judgment and insight employed.

FAQs

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

You can use "a thoughtful attempt" to describe any action or plan that shows careful consideration and planning. For example: "The new policy is "a thoughtful attempt" to address the issue of climate change."

What are some alternatives to "a thoughtful attempt"?

Alternatives include "a considered effort", "a deliberate endeavor", or "a well-reasoned approach". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always positive to describe something as "a thoughtful attempt"?

Generally, yes, it implies a positive assessment of the effort. However, it can sometimes imply that the attempt, despite being thoughtful, may not have been entirely successful. The context is key.

What distinguishes "a thoughtful attempt" from "an attempt"?

"An attempt" is a general term for any effort made to achieve something. "A thoughtful attempt" specifies that the effort was characterized by careful consideration, planning, and reflection.