decent attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decent attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone's effort or performance in a positive and satisfactory manner. Example: Despite being new to the sport, Sarah made a decent attempt at the high jump and cleared the bar on her third try.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Film

Technology

Lifestyle

Books

World

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Over the bar, but a decent attempt.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a decent attempt, but lacked polish.

The Guardian - Tech

You can spend a week or month studying most journalism subjects and make a decent attempt at a profile.

The Washington Post

Until then, though, this is a decent attempt to combine faith and storytelling that will certainly register with its target audience.

The New York Times

Here are some Hollywood A-listers making a decent attempt to move beyond the obscure jargon and reveal the existential nature of what the Earth provides for humanity.

The Guardian

Norwich were strangely subdued and it was not until the 21st minute that they had a decent attempt on goal, with Bradley Johnson's 25-yard free-kick drifting just wide.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Instead, despite a decent enough attempt from Øigarden, Lippstad remains an opaque and rather cursorily drawn figure, whom the film does not dwell on.

The Guardian - Film

Thankfully the sentiment was ignored, Andy Tod twice launching decent attempts at the Rangers goal before the interval.

The Guardian - Sport

The midfielder Gedion Zelalem and striker Kenny Miller had decent attempts for Rangers but defensive fragility proved costly again just before the half-hour.

The Guardian - Sport

"I would initially offer Hulk Hogan and Andre Agassi for decent attempts, but using a cap or bandana doesn't really count, so see ice hockey's Al Iafrate for guidance on the proper 'look'" - Paul McCarthy.

The Guardian - Sport

The key is in stringing together your time moves in order to dance through enemy soldiers – even as they make decent attempts to flank you, while shouting orders and observations to each other.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decent attempt" when you want to acknowledge effort without necessarily implying complete success. It's a balanced way to give credit where it's due.

Common error

Avoid using "decent attempt" when providing feedback on high-stakes or critical projects. It can come across as dismissive. Opt for more specific and constructive language that highlights both strengths and weaknesses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decent attempt" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the quality of an effort or undertaking, indicating that it is satisfactory or acceptable, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sport

15%

Film

5%

Less common in

Technology

3%

Lifestyle

2%

Books

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decent attempt" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that acknowledges a satisfactory but not outstanding effort. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers numerous examples across diverse contexts, mainly in news and media. The phrase strikes a neutral tone, suitable for various situations. For situations that require more formality, alternatives like "reasonable effort" could be suitable. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overusing this phrase in high-stakes feedback scenarios, as it may risk sounding dismissive. Overall, "decent attempt" is a useful phrase for providing balanced feedback.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reasonable effort

Emphasizes the rationality and justification behind the effort made.

Fair shot

Highlights the impartiality and justness of the opportunity given.

Respectable try

Suggests that the effort was worthy of respect, even if not entirely successful.

Creditable effort

Focuses on the praiseworthiness and merit of the attempt.

Satisfactory effort

Indicates that the level of effort was adequate or acceptable.

Passable effort

Suggests the effort was just good enough to meet requirements.

Commendable endeavor

Highlights the praiseworthiness of the undertaking or effort.

Tolerable stab

Emphasizes that the attempt was barely acceptable.

Adequate endeavor

Indicates the effort was sufficient but not exceptional.

Noteworthy effort

Suggests that the attempt deserves attention, even if not fully successful.

FAQs

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

You can use "decent attempt" to describe an effort that is satisfactory but not outstanding. For example, "Despite the challenges, she made a decent attempt to finish the project on time."

What's a more formal way to say "decent attempt"?

For a more formal alternative, consider using "reasonable effort" or "creditable effort". These phrases convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

Which is better, "decent attempt" or "good attempt"?

"Decent attempt" suggests the effort was acceptable but not exceptional, while "good attempt" implies a higher level of success. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the quality of the effort made. You can also use "respectable try", if applicable.

What's the difference between "decent attempt" and "valiant attempt"?

"Decent attempt" suggests a satisfactory effort, whereas "valiant attempt" implies the effort was courageous and made despite significant obstacles. A "valiant attempt" often highlights the struggle and determination involved.