an honorable attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an honorable attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an effort that is commendable or worthy of respect, often in the context of trying to achieve something difficult. Example: "Despite the challenges faced, it was an honorable attempt to bring the community together for a common cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But inevitably, someone will be fined for a play that he considered an honorable attempt at defense.

The New York Times - Sports

In the Sacagawea chapters, Hall makes an honorable attempt to express her thoughts using what look like crude word-for-word English renditions of her Shoshone language.

The New York Times - Books

Ap Norbu made an honorable attempt at trying to get me to shoot properly on the sandy, and fortunately unpopulated, banks of a river that passes through the town of Punakha.

The New York Times - Travel

In framing the debate as a quarrel between an aspiring Kennedy-like politician and his radical activist girlfriend in the 1970's (and taking her side more than his), the movie makes an honorable attempt to enshrine the impassioned idealism of an era that has faded into "Forrest Gump" nostalgia.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Leslie Denniston's performance is an honorable effort.

The New York Times

I recently wrote about Pink, and mentioned a song of hers called "Stupid Girls," a failed if honorable attempt to decry a certain strain of female celebrity.

The New Yorker

Looking Forward is an enterprising and musically honorable attempt to make the best of a bad situation.

The New York Times - Arts

In the end I'm afraid Mr. Cummings's honorable attempt to transfer the characters' pangs to the plane of archetype only serves to underscore their unfitness for the journey.

The New York Times

These were honorable attempts to evoke the actual performance of Greek tragedy, which we know to have been sung.

The New York Times

Though critics have found fault with the black character, he seemed to me plausible and complex enough — the earliest of Maxwell's many honorable attempts to portray African-Americans.

The New Yorker

She still deserves an Honorable Mention for attempting to educate the public, though.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an honorable attempt" when you want to acknowledge the positive qualities of an effort, even if it didn't fully succeed. It's particularly useful in situations where acknowledging the effort is as important as the outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "an honorable attempt" sarcastically. The phrase implies genuine respect and admiration, so using it ironically can confuse your reader or weaken your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an honorable attempt" functions as a noun phrase, where "honorable" modifies the noun "attempt". It denotes an effort recognized for its positive qualities, even if the outcome is not successful. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an honorable attempt" is a grammatically sound expression used to commend an effort, even if it didn't fully succeed. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When writing, consider using "an honorable attempt" when you wish to highlight the value and integrity of the effort itself, rather than solely focusing on the outcome. Related phrases such as "a commendable effort" or "a valiant endeavor" can offer subtle variations in emphasis. Just be mindful of overusing "honorable" sarcastically, as this can undermine the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a commendable effort

Focuses on the praiseworthy nature of the effort, minimizing potential failure.

a valiant endeavor

Highlights the courage and determination involved in the attempt.

a spirited effort

Emphasizes the enthusiasm and energy behind the attempt.

a praiseworthy try

Directly praises the attempt, even if it didn't fully succeed.

a creditable effort

Suggests the attempt was respectable and deserving of recognition.

a noteworthy endeavor

Highlights the attempt's significance or importance.

a laudable undertaking

Emphasizes the worthiness and deserving nature of the attempt.

a respectable shot

Implies the attempt was made with skill and deserves respect, regardless of outcome.

a decent effort

Highlights the attempt as acceptable and honest.

a genuine effort

Focuses on the sincerity and authenticity of the attempt, regardless of outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "an honorable attempt" in a sentence?

You can use "an honorable attempt" to describe a praiseworthy but potentially unsuccessful effort, as in "Despite the challenges, it was "an honorable attempt" to mediate the conflict".

What are some alternatives to "an honorable attempt"?

Alternatives include "a commendable effort", "a valiant endeavor", or "a spirited effort", each emphasizing slightly different aspects of the attempt.

Is it redundant to say "an honorable attempt"?

While "attempt" already implies effort, "honorable" adds a layer of commendation, highlighting the praiseworthy nature of the effort, even if unsuccessful. It emphasizes the integrity and worthiness of the try.

What's the difference between "an honorable attempt" and "a failed attempt"?

"An honorable attempt" acknowledges the positive qualities of the effort, while "a failed attempt" focuses solely on the lack of success. The former is more gracious and acknowledges the value of trying, regardless of the outcome.