a weak attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a weak attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an effort that lacks strength, effectiveness, or conviction. Example: "His presentation was a weak attempt to convince the board of the project's viability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Tyson was in town last week, making a weak attempt at selling his latest reincarnation.

The New York Times - Sports

"This is a quick fix in a weak attempt to show he is holding up an election promise.

The Guardian

Last season's "boys versus girls" angle felt like a weak attempt to amp up the rivalry, which My Kitchen Rules does with contrived brilliance.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The big striker Amadou Konte was first to miss, going clear on the right of the area and allowing Gordon to save a weak attempt at a finish.

The Guardian - Sport

Alex rises over a newly blond Dani Alves for a header off a corner, but it's a weak attempt and rolls wide.

The New York Times

Periodically the police made a weak attempt to shoo the fans away, but soon all, including the men in olive uniforms, drifted back to spots on the lawn beneath Mr. Rajkumar's windows, waiting for darshan.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

It ended with a very weak attempt at a soulful vamp.

Huffington Post

What T2 does do well is depict a group of men making a very weak attempt to leave the past behind.

Vice

A relatively weak attempt to reform the civil service was finally passed by parliament in October.

The New Yorker

The latest disproportionate Israeli assault on Gaza showed a very weak attempt at avoiding civilian deaths and injuries or the destruction of infrastructure.

Huffington Post

Her spokesman said that "while the leader does not condone the end of this ad, if the president wants to join in raising the level of civility in politics, he should begin with himself," a fairly weak attempt to turn things around on Trump.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a weak attempt", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the attempt is and why it is considered weak. Provide specific details to support your assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "a weak attempt" as a vague criticism. Always explain why the attempt is weak, providing specific reasons or examples to support your claim. For example, instead of saying "The negotiation was a weak attempt", specify "The negotiation was a weak attempt because it failed to address key concerns".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a weak attempt" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically acting as a noun phrase complement. It modifies a noun by attributing it to a sense of inadequacy or ineffectiveness. Ludwig confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a weak attempt" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe an action or effort that lacks strength, effectiveness, or conviction. As Ludwig confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, though it appears in other domains too. When using this phrase, remember to provide specific details to justify your assessment and avoid vague criticisms. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its correct usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a feeble effort

Focuses on the lack of strength in the undertaking itself.

a half-hearted effort

Emphasizes the lack of enthusiasm or commitment behind the action.

an inadequate try

Highlights the insufficiency of the attempt to meet the required standard.

a flimsy endeavor

Suggests the attempt is poorly constructed and unlikely to succeed.

a superficial effort

Indicates a lack of depth and thoroughness in the attempt.

a token gesture

Implies the attempt is made primarily for appearance, with little real intention.

a pathetic try

Conveys a sense of pity or disappointment due to the poor quality of the attempt.

a lame shot

Suggests the attempt is uninspired and unconvincing.

an unconvincing effort

Focuses on the failure to persuade or impress.

a shallow endeavor

Highlights the lack of depth and seriousness in the attempt.

FAQs

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

You can use "a weak attempt" to describe an action or effort that lacks strength, effectiveness, or conviction. For example, "His apology was "a weak attempt" to repair the damage he had caused".

What are some alternatives to "a weak attempt"?

Alternatives include "a feeble effort", "an inadequate try", or "a half-hearted effort", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

It's appropriate to use "a weak attempt" when you want to express that someone's effort was insufficient, unconvincing, or lacking in strength. Ensure your assessment is supported by specific reasons or examples.

Is there a difference between "a weak attempt" and "a failed attempt"?

Yes, "a weak attempt" implies the effort lacked strength or conviction from the beginning, while "a failed attempt" simply means the effort did not succeed, regardless of its initial strength.