brave attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

"brave attempt" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe an effort that is courageous or daring. Example: Despite the odds, Sarah made a brave attempt to summit the treacherous mountain. In this example, "brave attempt" emphasizes the courageous nature of Sarah's effort to climb the mountain despite the dangerous conditions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a brave attempt that almost works.

The Guardian - Books

It was a brave attempt, but ultimately in vain.

The Times

"Steve, we blew it," she said on stage in a brave attempt at humour.

Independent

A brave attempt to create an issue-linkage between the tampon tax and foreign policy, though.

Independent

Mr Towers's coup looks like a brave attempt to delay the inevitable.

The Economist

A television series called The 1940s House made a brave attempt.

The Guardian

What has emerged is a brave attempt to make tartan work as an ensemble.

The Guardian - Opinion

As theater "The Gospel of John" is a brave attempt, but it doesn't really work.

The New York Times

The strength of Batistuta's penalty defied Seaman's brave attempt to keep it out.

The Guardian - Sport

Corbyn's recent Brexit speeches are a brave attempt to overcome the polarisation between leavers and remainers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cruelty is a brave attempt to come to terms with one of the foulest of human traits.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brave attempt" to acknowledge courage and effort even when the outcome is uncertain. This acknowledges the positive attributes of the effort, regardless of the result.

Common error

Avoid using "brave attempt" when describing tasks that are easily achievable or have a high probability of success. Reserve it for scenarios where significant courage or risk is involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brave attempt" functions as a noun phrase, where "brave" modifies the noun "attempt". According to Ludwig AI, it serves to describe an effort undertaken with courage and boldness, highlighting the admirable nature of the action, irrespective of the final outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "brave attempt" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to commend a courageous or bold effort, regardless of the result. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in describing actions undertaken with courage, often in the face of uncertain outcomes. Its function is to express admiration, and it carries a neutral to slightly formal tone, making it suitable for diverse contexts such as news, academia, and professional settings. While "brave attempt" is used in diverse contexts, it appears most frequently in News & Media. Alternatives such as "courageous endeavor" or "valiant effort" offer similar meanings but may adjust the nuance or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

courageous endeavor

Replaces "attempt" with "endeavor", emphasizing the effort and determination involved.

valiant effort

Substitutes "brave" with "valiant" and "attempt" with "effort", highlighting the courage and exertion.

audacious undertaking

Uses "audacious" instead of "brave" to denote boldness and "undertaking" for a more formal tone.

daring initiative

Replaces "attempt" with "initiative", focusing on the proactive and bold nature of the action.

intrepid endeavor

Substitutes "brave" with "intrepid" to emphasize fearlessness in the effort.

heroic measure

Changes "attempt" to "measure" highlighting the significance and courage of the action.

spirited try

Uses "spirited" for enthusiasm and "try" for a more casual approach.

bold move

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on the boldness of the action taken.

plucky effort

Emphasizes the determination and spirit in the effort, suggesting it's against the odds.

fearless venture

Replaces "attempt" with "venture" and "brave" with "fearless", highlighting risk and courage.

FAQs

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

"Brave attempt" is used to describe an action or effort undertaken with courage, especially when facing difficult odds. For instance, "Despite the setbacks, it was a "brave attempt" to resolve the conflict peacefully."

What are some alternatives to "brave attempt"?

Alternatives include "courageous endeavor", "valiant effort", or "audacious undertaking". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "brave attempt" when someone tries something difficult?

No, it's not always necessary. If the difficulty is more about skill or intelligence than courage, other phrases like "skilled effort" or "intelligent solution" might be more appropriate. "Brave attempt" specifically emphasizes the courage involved.

What's the difference between "brave attempt" and "heroic effort"?

While both phrases describe commendable actions, "brave attempt" often implies a possible failure despite the courage, while "heroic effort" suggests a level of selflessness and a higher degree of impact or success.