earnest attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "earnest attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sincere and serious effort made to achieve something. Example: "Despite the challenges, her earnest attempt to improve the community was commendable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Why the earnest attempt to create Mama Bear Bryants?

The New York Times

The door is always open to you should you ever wish to make an earnest attempt to understand that".

Independent

Its bravery lies rather in its earnest attempt to do justice to the transcendent dimension of a profane act.

The New York Times - Books

If it represents an earnest attempt to protect the dying, it in fact makes them more vulnerable.

The New York Times

Mr. Marr said his agency had erred in "our earnest attempt to deliver these funds as quickly as possible".

The New York Times

It does, however, sound different — the urgent, wistful piano, the earnest attempt at singing, a bit of melodic sweetness.

The New Yorker

But all of these forces are implicated in a precise, rigorous drama that is also an earnest attempt at social criticism and philosophical inquiry.

The New York Times

The boots were brand-new, but it was the mud he had rubbed on them, in an earnest attempt not to embarrass her, that made her cry.

The New Yorker

It becomes hard to tell whether the album is a knowing spoof or an earnest attempt to outrage that falls horribly flat.

The Guardian - Music

"This was an earnest attempt on the part of Duke to honor them," said Peter Vaughn, spokesman for Duke's development office.

The New York Times

"Tango" (1940), on the other hand, was an earnest attempt at writing commercial music, and Mr. Huebner played it with an appropriate panache.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "earnest attempt" to convey sincerity and dedication, especially when the outcome is uncertain or challenging. It adds a layer of genuine effort to your communication.

Common error

While "earnest attempt" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in very casual or informal settings. Simpler phrases like "tried hard" or "made a real effort" might be more appropriate and sound less formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earnest attempt" functions as a noun phrase where "earnest" modifies the noun "attempt", indicating the quality or nature of the attempt. It describes the manner in which an action is carried out, emphasizing sincerity and seriousness, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

18%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "earnest attempt" is a frequently used phrase that describes a sincere and dedicated effort towards achieving a goal. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across various contexts, including News & Media and Science. The phrase conveys a sense of genuineness and dedication. As Ludwig AI also pointed out, it’s better to use it in formal writing rather than informal writing. Alternatives such as "sincere endeavor" or "diligent effort" can be used to add variety while maintaining the core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sincere endeavor

Emphasizes genuineness and dedication in the effort.

diligent effort

Highlights the attentiveness and persistence in the attempt.

genuine effort

Focuses on the authenticity and lack of pretense in the attempt.

determined effort

Stresses the resolution and firmness behind the attempt.

serious endeavor

Conveys the gravity and importance of the attempt.

bona fide attempt

Emphasizes the good faith and legitimacy of the attempt.

good faith effort

Highlights the honesty and sincerity of the attempt.

heartfelt endeavor

Focuses on the emotional investment and passion in the attempt.

assiduous effort

Highlights persistent application or diligence in the attempt.

conscientious endeavor

Stresses the careful and thorough nature of the attempt.

FAQs

What does "earnest attempt" mean?

An "earnest attempt" refers to a sincere and serious effort made to achieve something. It implies dedication and a genuine desire to succeed.

What can I say instead of "earnest attempt"?

You can use alternatives like "sincere endeavor", "diligent effort", or "genuine effort" depending on the context.

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

You can say, "Despite the setbacks, she made an "earnest attempt" to finish the project on time" or "The company launched an "earnest attempt" to reduce its carbon footprint".

What's the difference between "earnest attempt" and "serious attempt"?

While both imply a committed effort, "earnest attempt" suggests a deeper level of sincerity and emotional investment compared to a merely "serious attempt".