a vigorous attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vigorous attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a strong and energetic effort made to achieve something. Example: "Despite the challenges, she made a vigorous attempt to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Dennett's latest book, Breaking the Spell, is a vigorous attempt to preach atheism to the unconverted.

The Guardian

This produces on the one hand sectarian and regional eclecticism and on the other hand a vigorous attempt to establish doctrinal common ground.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is a vigorous attempt to malign my faith...Those are not my words, this is not my voice," he told local media.

Independent

South Korea made a vigorous attempt to improve corporate governance, increasing the rights of minority shareholders, boosting the role of outside directors, punishing improper disclosure and requiring the chaebol to publish consolidated financial statements.

The Economist

On climate change, it indicates that a vigorous attempt by internet cranks to subvert science has met something of a brick wall, unless the next government turns out to be a coalition of Ukip and the BNP.

The Guardian

Despite a vigorous attempt by the Pentagon to stop WikiLeaks from releasing 400,000 pages of classified military documents about the Iraq War, the group has gone ahead with its latest document dump.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

I have little doubt that a more vigorous attempt to eat the fries and pickles would have resulted only in me vomiting long before the food was gone.

Huffington Post

His "microphone diplomacy" has the potential to strain Venezuela's relations with both countries.A few years ago, the United States might have been expected to make a much more vigorous attempt to stop democracy from being extinguished in a large South American country.

The Economist

Yes, the favelas were "invaded" by armed police and both cops and criminals died, and yes there are a lot of human rights issues involved in this, but in the wake of this came a real and vigorous attempt to improve social conditions.

Huffington Post

The easy availability of normobaric hyperoxia calls for a much more vigorous attempt to characterize its potential clinical efficacy.

Critical Care

For studies of NAF only, it is appropriate to be particularly persistent but in our study, as this was the preliminary to subsequent lavage attempts, we had concerns regarding engorgement of the nipple as a consequence of vigorous attempts to elicit NAF and time constraints were also important.

Breast Cancer Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a vigorous attempt" to describe situations where a noticeable amount of energy and determination is being applied to achieve a specific goal. It suggests more than a casual try; it implies a serious and active effort.

Common error

While "vigorous" adds emphasis, avoid using "a vigorous attempt" in everyday conversations or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "a strong try" or "a good effort" may be more appropriate and sound less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vigorous attempt" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the act of trying something with considerable energy and force. Ludwig confirms this usage, showing the phrase in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vigorous attempt" is a grammatically sound phrase that describes a strong and energetic effort. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, noting its presence in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. While "vigorous" adds emphasis, remember that simpler alternatives might be more appropriate in informal settings. This phrase conveys intensity and determination, effectively highlighting the active and forceful nature of an endeavor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an energetic effort

Replaces "vigorous" with "energetic", focusing on the dynamic quality of the effort.

a determined endeavor

Substitutes "attempt" with "endeavor" and "vigorous" with "determined", highlighting resolve.

a spirited effort

Uses "spirited" instead of "vigorous", emphasizing enthusiasm and liveliness.

a forceful effort

Replaces "vigorous" with "forceful", stressing the strength and power of the attempt.

a strenuous undertaking

Substitutes "attempt" with "undertaking" and "vigorous" with "strenuous", indicating a challenging effort.

a zealous pursuit

Uses "zealous pursuit" to show enthusiasm in the effort made.

an intensive application

Replaces "vigorous" with "intensive" and "attempt" with "application", highlighting the focused nature of the effort.

a potent initiative

Substitutes "attempt" with "initiative" and "vigorous" with "potent", emphasizing the power and effectiveness of the action.

a dynamic push

Uses "dynamic push" to illustrate a strong and active effort.

a robust campaign

Replaces "attempt" with "campaign" and "vigorous" with "robust", implying a well-organized and strong effort.

FAQs

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

You can use "a vigorous attempt" to describe a strong and determined effort to achieve something. For example, "The team made "a vigorous attempt" to meet the deadline, working late into the night".

What can I say instead of "a vigorous attempt"?

You can use alternatives like "an energetic effort", "a determined endeavor", or "a spirited effort" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a vigorous attempt"?

The phrase "a vigorous attempt" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the strength and energy behind an effort. It's suitable for formal writing, reports, and situations where you want to highlight the intensity of the action taken.

Is there a difference between "a vigorous attempt" and "a strong attempt"?

While both phrases describe a significant effort, ""a vigorous attempt"" implies more energy and activity than "a strong attempt". "Vigorous" suggests a dynamic and lively approach, while "strong" simply indicates power or force.