an honest effort

USAGE SUMMARY

"an honest effort" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referencing someone's attempt to do something of high quality and with good intentions. For example: John put in an honest effort to finish the project on time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He always gives you an honest effort.

The New York Times

"They really put in an honest effort.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We only want those who put in an honest effort.

The New York Times

They are veterans who give an honest effort.

The New York Times - Sports

"They've put forth an honest effort," Gumbs said.

The New York Times - Sports

He's making an honest effort to do it.

The New York Times

Floyd underwent campus counseling and says he is making an honest effort to change his ways.

The New York Times

It accused him of violating the Olympic ideal by not giving an honest effort.

The New York Times - Sports

He has also made an honest effort to change his foot speed.

The New York Times

Galton made an honest effort to justify his belief in nature over nurture with hard evidence.

The New Yorker

A sure trail cannot be guaranteed, but an honest effort can.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an honest effort" when you want to emphasize the sincerity and good intentions behind someone's attempt, regardless of the outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "an honest effort" to describe tasks where competence or skill is the primary expectation. The phrase is best suited for situations where the intention and dedication are more noteworthy than the result.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an honest effort" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes an attempt made with sincerity and good intentions, whether or not the outcome is successful.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

13%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an honest effort" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe an attempt made with sincerity and good intentions. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for many contexts, frequently appearing in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources. Its primary function is to acknowledge and commend the positive intent behind an action, regardless of the result. While versatile, it's important to use it in situations where sincerity is a key factor, rather than simply describing competence. Alternatives like "a sincere attempt" or "a genuine endeavor" can be used to further emphasize specific aspects of the effort. Remember that the correct form is "an honest effort", using "an" before the vowel sound of "honest".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sincere attempt

Emphasizes the genuineness and lack of deceit in the attempt.

a genuine endeavor

Highlights the authenticity and seriousness of the undertaking.

a dedicated attempt

Focuses on the commitment and perseverance involved in the attempt.

a conscientious effort

Stresses the careful and thoughtful nature of the attempt.

a good-faith attempt

Indicates that the attempt was made with honest intentions and without malice.

a valiant try

Suggests that the attempt was made with courage and determination, especially in the face of difficulty.

a painstaking endeavor

Emphasizes the meticulous and detailed approach taken in the attempt.

a wholehearted attempt

Highlights the enthusiasm and full commitment given to the attempt.

a spirited effort

Suggests the attempt was made with energy and enthusiasm.

a credible try

Indicates that the attempt was believable and likely to succeed.

FAQs

How can I use "an honest effort" in a sentence?

You can use "an honest effort" to describe someone's attempt at something, emphasizing the sincerity and good intentions behind it. For example, "Despite the challenges, she made "an honest effort" to complete the project".

What are some alternatives to saying "an honest effort"?

Alternatives include "a sincere attempt", "a genuine endeavor", or "a dedicated attempt". These phrases emphasize different aspects of the effort, such as sincerity, authenticity, or commitment.

Is it correct to say "a honest effort" instead of "an honest effort"?

No, it is grammatically incorrect. The indefinite article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound, while "a" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound. Since "honest" begins with a vowel sound, the correct article is "an".

What's the difference between ""an honest effort"" and "a successful attempt"?

"An honest effort" focuses on the intention and sincerity of the attempt, regardless of the outcome. "A successful attempt", on the other hand, focuses solely on achieving the desired result.