a worthy attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a worthy attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an effort that is commendable or deserving of recognition, often in the context of trying to achieve something challenging. Example: "Although the project did not succeed, it was a worthy attempt that showcased the team's dedication and creativity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Chris Hedges' "American Fascists," unfortunately, is not a worthy attempt.

The New York Times - Books

The target of economic supremacy by 2010 was a worthy attempt to galvanise Europeans into action.

The Economist

Pollack told me that, policy matters aside, McMaster's focus on process and precedent was a worthy attempt to inculcate in the President a sense of civility and tradition.

The New Yorker

I don't want to dismiss it out of hand – it's a worthy attempt to tackle the problems, and it's certainly imaginative.

The Guardian - Sport

Ian Parker made a worthy attempt to point out that the suicide of Tyler Clementi was undoubtedly simplified and probably over-polarized by the mainstream media ("The Story of a Suicide," February 6th).

The New Yorker

The restaurant's chaat night, which features vegetarian "kiosk" (street) foods, is a worthy attempt and includes a few winners (the potato pancakes with spicy chickpeas comes to mind), but overall suffered from its buffet-style presentation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

That's a worthy endeavor.

The New York Times

The Republicans and three oil-state Democrats blocked a worthy Democratic attempt to strip the five biggest oil companies of $2 billion in tax breaks they do not need.

The New York Times

Now a worthy bipartisan attempt to overturn that order is being stalled by the White House, which is scrambling to portray its new rules as a benign attempt to tidy up the system for releasing presidential records.

The New York Times

It is the most serious and worthy attempt to fix immigration in a generation, but it cannot help reflecting the poisoned politics of today, with its heavy tilt toward needless border enforcement and a deficiency in equal rights.

The New York Times

His Great Man-Made River project a worthy attempt to bring groundwater from the Sahara to the coastal cities—has already cost $12 billion and could end up a white elephant.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a worthy attempt" to acknowledge effort even when the outcome isn't fully successful. This emphasizes the value of trying and can encourage further efforts.

Common error

Avoid using "a worthy attempt" as a generic compliment without providing specific feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of the effort. Always provide constructive criticism to support improvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a worthy attempt" functions as an evaluative descriptor. It commonly serves to acknowledge and commend an effort, even when the result may not have been entirely successful. Ludwig shows this by giving various real-world examples of this phrase in use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a worthy attempt" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an effort that deserves recognition, even if it didn't achieve complete success. As Ludwig's analysis demonstrates, it functions as an evaluative descriptor, acknowledging and commending an action while managing expectations. Its usage is most frequent in news and media contexts, with science, encyclopedias and wiki being less common. The phrase carries a neutral register and is versatile enough for various communication styles. When using "a worthy attempt", ensure you provide specific feedback to support continued improvement. Alternatives like "a commendable endeavor" or "a respectable effort" offer similar nuances. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of this expression, showcasing its role in appreciating effort and encouraging progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a commendable endeavor

Emphasizes the praiseworthy nature of the undertaking itself.

a respectable effort

Highlights the decent and estimable quality of the effort made.

an earnest try

Focuses on the sincerity and seriousness of the attempt.

a creditable effort

Underscores the merit and worthiness of the attempt.

a valiant effort

Suggests courage and determination in the attempt, especially against difficulties.

a notable undertaking

Highlights the significance or importance of the attempt.

a significant endeavor

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the attempt.

a serious effort

Stresses the dedication and commitment put into the attempt.

a genuine effort

Highlights the authenticity and sincerity behind the attempt.

a spirited attempt

Indicates enthusiasm and vigor in the effort.

FAQs

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

You can use "a worthy attempt" to acknowledge effort, even if the outcome wasn't completely successful. For instance, "The project, while incomplete, was "a worthy attempt" at addressing a complex issue".

What phrases are similar to "a worthy attempt"?

Alternatives include "a commendable endeavor", "a respectable effort", or "an earnest try". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a worthy attempt"?

It's appropriate when you want to recognize the positive qualities of an effort, even if it didn't fully achieve its intended goal. It's often used when acknowledging challenges or complexities in the situation.

Is there a difference between "a worthy attempt" and "a successful attempt"?

Yes, "a worthy attempt" acknowledges the value of the effort regardless of the outcome, while "a successful attempt" emphasizes that the goal was achieved. You'd use "a worthy attempt" when the outcome was less than perfect but the effort was commendable.