credible attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "credible attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an effort or endeavor that is believable or worthy of trust, often in contexts where the quality or sincerity of the attempt is being evaluated. Example: "Despite the challenges, the team made a credible attempt to solve the complex problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

How can so many candidates build up, let alone sustain the momentum needed for a credible attempt to win the party's nomination over such a long time period?

The Economist

I thought that they amounted to a very credible attempt to make the Microsoft brand as personal to its customers as Mac is to Apple's loyal following.

The Guardian

The earliest credible attempt at this, according to Loft, was made in 1916 by an English physicist named Lewis Fry Richardson, who wanted to determine the weather over northern Germany on May 20 , 1910

The New York Times - Magazine

Far from a credible attempt to address a complex problem, the bill in its current form is more concerned with what the UK is seen to be doing than the real impact of our actions.

The Guardian

Without cynicism, you might say this is a credible attempt to show how an artist -- Dvorak or the cellist Jan Vogler -- explores and grapples with a piece in progress.

The New York Times

And the tomato and mozzarella salad, while not made with Jersey tomatoes in January, is a credible attempt made better with fresh cheese, grilled artichoke, alfalfa sprouts and cucumber.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

It identifies about 200 credible attempts against its data networks each month.

Los Angeles Times

"So you don't want the FBI to investigate someone for the Supreme Court about a credible attempted rape allegation?

Huffington Post

At exactly this point, interestingly, the threat of divorce inspires Walt to make one of his last semi-credible attempts to get out the drug business.

The New York Times

Today we hear those works as Italian Baroque, not as ancient Greek, and although there have been many credible musicological attempts to resurrect the music of Greek antiquity -- Maurizio Pollini presented examples in an installment of his Perspectives series two years ago -- most listeners probably assume that it is a lost art.

The New York Times - Arts

For quite a long time both teams looked equally undistinguished, with Gabriel Obertan and Bébé barely making a case for being let loose on Premier League opponents any time soon, and though Crawley were not exactly making the United defence sweat either they at least managed a couple of credible goal attempts, through Ben Smith and Craig McAllister, before the home side scored.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "credible attempt" when you want to emphasize that an effort is believable and worthy of trust. It's suitable in situations where sincerity and validity are important.

Common error

Avoid using "credible attempt" when a simpler adjective like "good", "significant", or "earnest" would suffice. "Credible" specifically highlights believability, so ensure that this is the intended nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "credible attempt" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "credible" modifies the noun "attempt". It describes the nature of the attempt, emphasizing its believability or worthiness of trust. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "credible attempt" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe an effort that is believable and trustworthy. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it appears frequently in news and media, as well as in scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that believability is the key quality you want to convey. Alternatives such as "realistic attempt" or "genuine attempt" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you aim to achieve. The linguistic analysis underscores its function as a noun phrase that evaluates the nature of an attempt, lending it a neutral yet persuasive tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Creditable attempt

Similar to "credible", but places more emphasis on earning praise or recognition.

Plausible attempt

Highlights the likelihood and possibility of success.

Realistic attempt

Emphasizes practicality and feasibility.

Strong attempt

Suggests a vigorous and determined effort.

Real attempt

Underscores the authenticity and genuineness of the effort.

Genuine attempt

Emphasizes sincerity and honesty in the effort.

Substantial attempt

Highlights the significance or magnitude of the effort.

Effective attempt

Highlights the success and efficiency of the attempt.

Accurate attempt

Focuses on the correctness and precision of the effort.

Fair attempt

Implies impartiality and justice in the undertaking.

FAQs

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

You can use "credible attempt" to describe an action or effort that is believable and worthy of trust. For instance, "The scientist made a credible attempt to explain the complex theory".

What's a good alternative to "credible attempt"?

Alternatives include "plausible attempt", "realistic attempt", or "genuine attempt" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "credible attempt" or "creditable attempt"?

"Credible attempt" emphasizes the believability of the effort, while "creditable attempt" emphasizes that the effort deserves praise or recognition. Choose the phrase that best matches your intended meaning.

What's the difference between a "credible attempt" and a "half-hearted attempt"?

A "credible attempt" suggests a serious and believable effort, while a "half-hearted attempt" implies a lack of enthusiasm or commitment. The key difference is the level of sincerity and effort invested.