a valiant attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a valiant attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an effort that is brave or courageous, often in the face of difficulty or challenge. Example: "Despite the numerous obstacles, she made a valiant attempt to complete the marathon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr Ahmadinejad did make a valiant attempt to curb subsidies.

The Economist

He made a valiant attempt to rein in costs, too.

The Economist

It's a valiant attempt to make sarcasm edible, but too overblown to really enjoy.

The New Yorker

The children's father, Mr Philpott, made a "valiant" attempt to save them, police said.

Independent

Hardy made a valiant attempt to try and salvage the situation, but Hawley was long gone.

The Guardian

"Second-guessing people who made a valiant attempt at judgment is not where I am at".

The New York Times

OPERA movies represent a valiant attempt to translate an elitist art into popular entertainment.

The New York Times

TUCHMAN--Judith, died November 3, 2004, after a valiant attempt to live with a severe illness.

The New York Times

An intrepid Guardian reporter makes a valiant attempt at the invisible-box challenge.

The Guardian

A valiant attempt to dramatise the WikiLeaks story – but the story itself lacks drama.

The Guardian - Film

A valiant attempt to make a fair and emotionally truthful biopic of Linda Lovelace – though the woman herself remains unknowable.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a valiant attempt" to acknowledge effort and courage, even when the outcome is uncertain or unsuccessful. It shows respect for the effort made.

Common error

While "a valiant attempt" is widely applicable, avoid overusing "valiant" in very casual situations where simpler terms like "good try" or "earnest effort" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a valiant attempt" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or following a preposition. It describes an action or effort characterized by bravery and determination. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

22%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a valiant attempt" is a widely used phrase that describes a courageous and determined effort, even if it doesn't succeed. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance in diverse contexts, primarily news, academic, and scientific sources. While suitable for many situations, it's wise to consider simpler alternatives in extremely informal settings. Remember to acknowledge effort with respect, even in the face of uncertain outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a courageous endeavor

Emphasizes bravery and determination in the undertaking.

a brave effort

Highlights the bravery involved in the effort.

a spirited try

Focuses on the enthusiasm and energy put into the attempt.

a heroic effort

Implies a grand or larger-than-life attempt, often against significant odds.

a determined effort

Stresses the resolve and persistence behind the attempt.

a plucky endeavor

Suggests a cheerful and resilient approach to the attempt, especially in difficult circumstances.

a game attempt

Implies a willingness to try, even if the chances of success are low.

a bold undertaking

Highlights the risk and audacity of the attempt.

a noteworthy endeavor

Highlights the characteristic of deserving attention attempt.

a commendable effort

Highlights the characteristic of deserving praise attempt.

FAQs

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

You can use "a valiant attempt" to describe someone's courageous effort, even if they didn't succeed. For example, "Despite facing numerous challenges, she made "a valiant attempt" to finish the race".

What are some alternatives to saying "a valiant attempt"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a courageous endeavor", "a brave effort", or "a spirited try".

Is "valiant attempt" formal or informal?

"Valiant attempt" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for news articles, academic papers, and professional communications. Simpler phrases may be preferable for very informal conversations.

What does "a valiant attempt" imply about the outcome?

The phrase "a valiant attempt" suggests that the effort was courageous and determined, but the outcome was likely unsuccessful or uncertain. It acknowledges the effort made, regardless of the result.