clumsy effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clumsy effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an attempt that is awkward or lacking in skill. Example: "Despite their clumsy effort to organize the event, it turned out to be a memorable experience for everyone involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Mubarak's government was deliberately terrorizing the country's suburban upper class, in a clumsy effort to make the protests look bad.

The New York Times - Magazine

So even a clumsy effort like "The X Factor" can find a few gems with relative ease.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet it was a clumsy effort from Bennett, who missed the ball, and ultimately Sterling was too quick for him.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a clumsy effort, and voters saw through it, rejecting that commission's proposals by a 3-to-1 margin.

The New York Times

My big, lumbering shaggy-dog stuff is a kind of clumsy effort to do what they do in the only style I know.

The New Yorker

Vladimir Putin has all but shut the door to big western oil firms with his recent clumsy effort to create a state-run oil giant in Russia.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Edith's mother made desperate clumsy efforts at proper conversation.

The New Yorker

Their brutal and clumsy efforts to do so ensure greater instability.

The New York Times

"Their clumsy efforts to suppress the book only made it a bestseller," Mr. Wise said.

The New York Times

Clumsy efforts to humiliate a Turkish ambassador should never be part of Israeli domestic political calculations.

The New York Times

Two kookaburras cackled loudly overhead, perhaps anticipating our clumsy efforts at copying Jillian moments later.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clumsy effort" to describe situations where the intention is good, but the execution is poor. This adds a layer of understanding or forgiveness to the criticism.

Common error

While acceptable, "clumsy effort" can sound informal in certain professional settings. Opt for more precise language that specifies the exact nature of the issue, such as "ineffective strategy" or "poorly implemented plan".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clumsy effort" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "clumsy" modifies the noun "effort". It describes the nature or quality of the effort. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clumsy effort" is a commonly used expression to describe an attempt that is poorly executed or lacks skill. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While frequently found in news and media contexts, its neutral register makes it acceptable in various writing styles. When more formality is required, alternatives such as "ineffective approach" or "poorly executed plan" may be more suitable. Remember to use "clumsy effort" when you want to convey a sense of awkwardness or lack of finesse in an attempt, while also potentially implying a degree of understanding or forgiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awkward attempt

Focuses on the lack of grace or smoothness in the attempt.

inept endeavor

Highlights the lack of skill or competence in the undertaking.

bungled attempt

Emphasizes the failure or mismanagement of the attempt.

ham-fisted attempt

Suggests a lack of delicacy or finesse in the effort.

maladroit undertaking

Stresses the awkwardness and lack of skill in the project.

poorly executed attempt

Directly addresses the substandard quality of the execution.

floundering initiative

Implies a struggle and lack of direction in the initiative.

fumbling approach

Focuses on the hesitant and awkward manner of approaching something.

blundering endeavor

Highlights the mistakes and errors made during the undertaking.

unskillful attempt

Directly states the lack of skill in the effort.

FAQs

How can I use "clumsy effort" in a sentence?

"Clumsy effort" is used to describe an attempt that is awkward or lacking in skill. For example, "Despite their clumsy effort to organize the event, it turned out to be a memorable experience for everyone involved."

What are some alternatives to "clumsy effort"?

You can use alternatives like "awkward attempt", "inept endeavor", or "bungled attempt" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "clumsy effort" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "clumsy effort" might be perceived as informal in some formal contexts. Consider using more precise and professional terms to describe the situation, such as "ineffective approach" or "poorly executed plan".

What makes an effort a "clumsy effort"?

An effort becomes a "clumsy effort" when it lacks finesse, skill, or grace in its execution, often resulting in unintended consequences or a less-than-ideal outcome.