a valiant effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a valiant effort" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to commend someone for their courageous or determined attempt at a task, regardless of the outcome. Example: "Although the project didn't succeed, I want to acknowledge your valiant effort in trying to bring it to fruition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Communication

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That said, it's a valiant effort.

The New York Times - Tech

They mounted a valiant effort.

The Guardian - Sport

A valiant effort in a lost cause.

The New Yorker

The curators have made a valiant effort.

The New York Times - Arts

A valiant effort, but it's still tofu.

The New York Times

MINER--George A.,passed away after a valiant effort.

The New York Times

Hertsgaard makes a valiant effort to provide them.

The New York Times - Books

"A valiant effort from the dream team," the M.C. said.

The New York Times - Sports

Weiner made a valiant effort to take the high road.

The Washington Post

The Mets are charging, and it is a valiant effort.

The New York Times - Sports

"Our kids gave a valiant effort," Lavin said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a valiant effort" when you want to acknowledge and praise someone's attempt, even if it wasn't successful. It conveys respect for their determination and courage.

Common error

Avoid using "a valiant effort" sarcastically or condescendingly, as it can undermine the genuine intent of acknowledging someone's hard work. Ensure your tone aligns with the positive connotation of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a valiant effort" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "valiant" is an adjective modifying the noun "effort". This construction typically serves to describe and commend a particular attempt or undertaking. Ludwig provides many examples of its usage across different fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Science

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a valiant effort" is a commonly used phrase to commend someone's courageous and determined attempt. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. The phrase sees frequent use in News & Media and Sports reporting, offering acknowledgment, respect, or admiration. While the phrase is suitable for various registers, it is important to use it sincerely and avoid sarcasm. Consider alternatives such as "a courageous attempt" or "a brave endeavor" to add variety to your writing. Overall, "a valiant effort" remains a reliable and effective way to express appreciation for hard work and determination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a courageous attempt

Emphasizes bravery and boldness in the attempt.

a brave endeavor

Highlights the element of fearlessness and determination in the effort.

a heroic try

Suggests a grand, almost legendary attempt.

a spirited undertaking

Focuses on the enthusiasm and vigor behind the effort.

a determined push

Highlights the strong will and resolve invested in the effort.

a plucky go

Implies a cheerful and resilient approach to a challenging task.

a game stab

Conveys a sense of willingness to try, even when success is uncertain.

a bold initiative

Emphasizes the proactive and daring nature of the effort.

a commendable performance

Focuses on the praiseworthy qualities of the execution, irrespective of the result.

a noteworthy feat

Highlights the remarkable or significant nature of the effort.

FAQs

What does "a valiant effort" mean?

It means someone tried very hard and showed courage, even if they didn't succeed.

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

You can say, "Despite the loss, the team made "a valiant effort"" to acknowledge their hard work.

What are some alternatives to "a valiant effort"?

You can use alternatives like "a courageous attempt", "a brave endeavor", or "a heroic try".

Is it appropriate to use "a valiant effort" in formal writing?

Yes, "a valiant effort" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but ensure the tone is sincere and respectful.