a valiant try

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a valiant try" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to acknowledge someone's effort or attempt, especially when it is courageous or commendable, even if the outcome was not successful. Example: "Although she didn't win the competition, her performance was a valiant try that inspired everyone in the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

We think it was a valiant try, but sometimes these things just don't work out".

The New York Times

The Jets disintegrated late, and in the end they were simply beaten by a superior opponent, despite what was a valiant try.

The New York Times - Sports

Steve Politi of The Star-Ledger makes a valiant try in arguing that people are overreacting about the impact of Tim Tebow's arrival in New York, writing that "a lot of people not from around here" are telling us "how this experience is going to completely rock our world, as if this is some kind of distant sports outpost".

The New York Times

This little one makes a valiant try to keep eyes open for some yummy snacks.

Huffington Post

Peter Travers of Rolling Stone wrote: "Tyler, a true beauty, gives the role a valiant try, but her range is too limited to play this amalgam of female perfection".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

Host Tim Vine made a valiant effort to keep things moving although his long-running gag involving trying to catch a pen behind the ear did not help matters.

The Guardian

They mounted a valiant effort.

The Guardian - Sport

That said, it's a valiant effort.

The New York Times - Tech

A valiant effort in a lost cause.

The New Yorker

The curators have made a valiant effort.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a valiant try" when you want to acknowledge the effort and courage someone put into something, even if they didn't succeed. It conveys respect and admiration.

Common error

Avoid using "a valiant try" sarcastically. The phrase is generally sincere, and using it ironically can come across as dismissive or mean-spirited.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a valiant try" functions as a noun phrase that describes an attempt or effort. It typically follows a verb like 'was', 'made', or 'gave', serving as a complement or object. Ludwig examples show it acknowledging effort.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a valiant try" is a phrase used to commend an effort, particularly when it involves courage or determination, even if unsuccessful. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and suggests it is most frequently found in news and media sources. While the phrase is generally sincere, care should be taken to avoid using it sarcastically. Alternatives include "a brave attempt" or "a noble effort", offering similar meanings with slight differences in tone. Remember that although interchangeable, 'attempt' sounds slightly more formal, while 'try' sounds more conversational.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brave attempt

Focuses more on the courage involved in the attempt.

a noble effort

Emphasizes the admirable or virtuous quality of the effort.

a courageous endeavor

Highlights the boldness and risk associated with the undertaking.

a spirited effort

Suggests enthusiasm and energy were put into the attempt.

a determined attempt

Underscores the persistence and resolve behind the action.

a plucky endeavor

Implies a sense of resourcefulness and determination in the face of adversity.

a game attempt

Indicates a willingness to try, even if success is unlikely.

a bold undertaking

Stresses the ambition and daring nature of the effort.

a herculean task

Highlights the immense difficulty and scale of the endeavor.

a good-faith effort

Emphasizes sincerity and honest intention in the attempt.

FAQs

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

You can use "a valiant try" to describe an attempt that was admirable despite not succeeding. For instance, "Despite the team's loss, their performance was "a valiant try"".

What's a more formal alternative to "a valiant try"?

A more formal alternative could be "a noble effort" or "a courageous endeavor", which emphasize the admirable qualities of the attempt while maintaining a professional tone.

When is it appropriate to use "a valiant try"?

It's appropriate when acknowledging someone's effort, especially when the task was difficult or the odds were stacked against them. It's a way to commend their courage and determination.

Is "a valiant attempt" the same as "a valiant try"?

While very similar, "a valiant attempt" and "a valiant try" are interchangeable. "Attempt" is slightly more formal, while "try" can sound more conversational. Consider "a brave attempt" or "a noble effort" depending on the context.