courageous attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

"courageous attempt" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe an act or effort that requires bravery or valor. It is typically used to express admiration or respect for someone's actions. Example: Despite the difficult circumstances, the soldiers made a courageous attempt to rescue civilians trapped in the war-torn city.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

This version comes with greater vocal outpouring of the Congressman's courage; his courageous attempt to curtail government excesses -- his agonized cry for austerity.

Huffington Post

"Wilson's Ghost" is a courageous attempt to tackle the most crucial issues of our time.

The New York Times - Books

The children are forbidden to enter it but one girl, braver than the rest, makes a courageous attempt to escape.

Independent

It's a courageous attempt, but at a time when horror movies have achieved new levels in blatancy, it may prove too slight for the genre audience.

The New York Times

Their brilliant full-back, Billy Slater, fractured his collarbone in a courageous attempt to prevent the first of Ryan Hall's two splendid first‑half tries.

The Guardian - Sport

Israel's anguished decision on July 28 to release over 100 convicted terrorists, as well as to help the Palestinian economy, were a courageous attempt to build trust and improve the atmosphere surrounding the negotiations, and I supported it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"After repeated courageous attempts at rehabilitation and with the full support of the New York Rangers, the N.H.L.P.A., and the N.H.L., Derek had been showing tremendous improvement but was ultimately unable to beat this opponent".

The New York Times - Sports

Both are thoughtful and courageous attempts to explain why recent calls to "make poverty history" by quadrupling aid will disrupt more than assist citizens in the fragile, neocolonial political economies of Africa.

The New York Times

Without the NFL license, versions of 2K and Blitz each made courageous attempts to compete using only the NFL Players Association branding with made-up teams and leagues.

Vice

The tragedy -- and this is where the brilliance of Gandolfini and Chase come in -- is that he's always on the losing end of courageous attempts at self-compassion and acceptance.

Huffington Post

Incredibly, last night -- around the same time as police were planning how to apprehend Mohammed Merah in Toulouse -- my wife and I were watching a gripping movie on French TV depicting the courageous attempts of a young Algerian girl brutally tortured by French troops in Algeria as her country fought a bloody struggle for independence.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "courageous attempt" with a qualifier that specifies the aim of the attempt, for example, "courageous attempt to reform healthcare".

Common error

Avoid using "courageous attempt" when the endeavor is likely to succeed or lacks significant risk. This can diminish the impact of the phrase and make it seem hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "courageous attempt" functions as a descriptive phrase, where 'courageous' modifies 'attempt'. It describes an undertaking marked by bravery and a willingness to face potential failure or adversity. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used in various contexts to commend bold actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "courageous attempt" is a phrase used to describe an undertaking characterized by bravery and a high likelihood of failure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media, followed by scientific publications. The phrase serves to express admiration for the effort, regardless of the outcome. While versatile, it should be avoided in situations where the endeavor lacks significant risk to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives such as ""brave endeavor"" or ""valiant effort"" to fine-tune the nuance. Remembering these points will help you deploy the phrase "courageous attempt" with precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brave endeavor

Replaces 'attempt' with 'endeavor', emphasizing the effort and determination involved. Similarity is very high.

valiant effort

Substitutes 'courageous' with 'valiant', highlighting the bravery and heroism of the effort. Similarity is very high.

heroic undertaking

Replaces both words to give a greater sense of scale and bravery, more emphasis on boldness. Similarity is high.

audacious move

Focuses on the boldness and risk-taking aspect of the attempt, using 'move' to imply a strategic action. Similarity is high.

spirited effort

Emphasizes the enthusiasm and determination behind the attempt, while downplaying the element of risk. Similarity is medium.

daring feat

Highlights the boldness and impressiveness of the attempt, suggesting a remarkable achievement. Similarity is high.

fearless venture

Emphasizes the absence of fear and the willingness to take risks, portraying a sense of adventure. Similarity is high.

intrepid undertaking

Uses 'intrepid' to highlight the fearlessness and determination, combined with 'undertaking' for a more serious endeavour. Similarity is high.

bold initiative

Focuses on the proactive and innovative nature of the attempt, highlighting its forward-thinking approach. Similarity is medium.

plucky try

Implies a sense of underdog spirit and resilience, suggesting the attempt was made despite unfavorable odds. Similarity is medium.

FAQs

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

You can use "courageous attempt" to describe an action taken with bravery despite the possibility of failure. For example, "The rescue team made a "courageous attempt" to save the miners trapped underground".

What are some alternatives to "courageous attempt"?

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

Is it appropriate to use "courageous attempt" in formal writing?

Yes, "courageous attempt" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing significant and risky endeavors. Ensure the context warrants the use of such an emotionally charged phrase.

What distinguishes "courageous attempt" from a simple "attempt"?

Adding "courageous" emphasizes the bravery, boldness, and potential danger involved in the attempt. A simple "attempt" is neutral, while "courageous attempt" highlights the valor and willingness to face adversity.