bald attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bald attempt" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a poorly planned or executed effort. For example, "The team's bald attempt to turn around their losing streak was not successful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

They called Mr. Bush's request a "bald attempt" to interfere in the Florida balloting.

The New York Times

Furthermore, Ms. Stolba said, the memoirs are a bald attempt to cash in on titillating subject matter.

The New York Times - Style

That move, Republicans say, is required by the State Constitution, but Democrats call it a bald attempt by the Republicans to tighten their loosening grip on the chamber.

The New York Times

In both campaigns, moreover, G.O.P. voters definitively rejected his flat tax for what it was -- a bald attempt to give the most affluent Americans a free ride.

The New York Times

Writing in The Wall Street Journal, the former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor correctly blasted the initiative as a bald attempt at judicial intimidation.

The New York Times

These petitions represent a bald attempt to federalize a state law dispute over whether a manual recount is authorized and appropriate.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

But bald attempts to silence women only made the movement larger and louder.

The Guardian

Two major campaigns — seeking approval for the new $180 million building and the "aspiration funds" worth $1.65 million for each member — are bald attempts to siphon off money, critics say.

The New York Times

This week's issue of Kommersant Vlast had several articles detailing bald attempts at falsification in the recent elections apparently aimed at increasing the vote for United Russia.

The New York Times

"Ray" and "Walk the Line" notwithstanding, bald attempts to capitalize on embedded awareness can head into the tank faster than you can say "From Justin to Kelly".

The New York Times

Critics of the government of the rightist Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orban, are decrying what they call bald attempts by his party to control the news media, judiciary, central bank and education, Dan Bilefsky reports.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bald attempt" to describe efforts that are not only poorly executed but also conspicuously so, lacking any subtlety or finesse. It's suitable when criticizing strategies that are too obvious or simplistic.

Common error

Avoid using "bald attempt" interchangeably with simply "poor attempt". "Bald" adds a layer of obviousness and lack of sophistication to the failure. Ensure the context supports this additional meaning; otherwise, a more neutral term like "failed attempt" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bald attempt" functions as a noun phrase, where "bald" is an adjective modifying the noun "attempt". It describes the nature of the attempt, indicating its obviousness and lack of sophistication. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bald attempt" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that describes a poorly executed and conspicuously obvious effort. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. It is often employed in news and media to express criticism. When writing, remember that "bald attempt" implies not just failure, but a distinct lack of subtlety. Consider alternatives like "obvious attempt" or "blatant attempt" to fine-tune the specific shade of meaning you intend to convey. The phrase is appropriate in neutral register, but may need adjustment if either excessively formal or informal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obvious attempt

Highlights the lack of subtlety in the attempt.

blatant attempt

Emphasizes the brazen and unconcealed nature of the attempt.

transparent attempt

Focuses on the easily seen-through nature of the attempt.

simple attempt

Indicates the straightforward and uncomplicated nature of the attempt.

crude attempt

Stresses the lack of refinement in the attempt.

flagrant attempt

Highlights the shockingly noticeable nature of the attempt.

shameless attempt

Emphasizes the lack of embarrassment or concern for appearances in the attempt.

audacious attempt

Focuses on the boldness and daring involved in the attempt.

brazen attempt

Similar to 'blatant attempt', this highlights the shocking boldness of the attempt.

overt attempt

Points out the open and unconcealed manner of the attempt.

FAQs

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

You can use "bald attempt" to describe a poorly planned or executed effort that is also very obvious. For example, "The company's "bald attempt" to increase profits by cutting employee benefits was met with immediate backlash".

What are some alternatives to "bald attempt"?

Alternatives include "obvious attempt", "blatant attempt", or "transparent attempt". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "bald attempt" a formal or informal phrase?

"Bald attempt" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.

What does "bald" mean in the context of "bald attempt"?

In this context, "bald" means undisguised, unadorned, or lacking subtlety. It emphasizes that the attempt is not only a failure but also conspicuously so.