honest attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "honest attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a sincere effort made to achieve something, often in the context of trying to solve a problem or complete a task. Example: "Despite the challenges, her honest attempt to improve the project was commendable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Was it an honest attempt for transparency?

The New Yorker

They should expect an honest attempt to find some.

The Economist

Health care reform is an honest attempt to deal with that.

The New York Times

It will be an "intensely vulnerable and painfully honest" attempt to "heal himself in public" – again.

Independent

He made an honest attempt at the basketball, that's all, obviously.

Independent

This is an honest attempt, and he should be commended for it".

The New York Times - Sports

It was an honest attempt — she may have been clever, but she was without guile.

The New Yorker

Created by the perfumer Antoine Lie, it's certainly an honest attempt.

The New York Times

It was an honest attempt to do something naked and pure".

The Guardian - Film

And I can't see an honest attempt of constructive explanation in the manuscript.

The Guardian

After making an honest attempt to find the owner, I decided the money was mine to spend as I wished.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "honest attempt" to convey sincerity and integrity in the effort, even if the outcome is uncertain. It is effective in situations where you want to acknowledge effort regardless of success.

Common error

Avoid using "honest attempt" as a synonym for "successful attempt". The phrase emphasizes the sincerity of the effort, not necessarily the achievement of the goal. Be clear if you also need to convey success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "honest attempt" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "honest" modifies the noun "attempt". Ludwig confirms its proper usage in describing a sincere endeavor. It often serves to qualify the nature of the effort undertaken.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "honest attempt" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a sincere effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used in News & Media and Science to convey genuineness and integrity, irrespective of the outcome. While alternatives like "sincere effort" or "genuine effort" exist, "honest attempt" is a direct and clear way to express that an action was undertaken with good intentions. Remember to use it when you want to highlight the sincerity of the effort, rather than guaranteeing its success.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sincere effort

Emphasizes the genuineness and heartfelt nature of the effort made.

genuine effort

Highlights the authenticity and lack of pretense in the attempt.

bona fide attempt

Stresses the good faith and legitimacy of the attempt.

good-faith effort

Similar to "bona fide attempt", focusing on the integrity behind the action.

earnest endeavor

Suggests a serious and determined effort, often with a sense of purpose.

conscientious effort

Highlights the care and thoroughness put into the attempt.

sincere endeavor

Similar to "sincere effort", but implies a more sustained and focused undertaking.

determined effort

Focuses on the resoluteness and persistence applied to the attempt.

forthright attempt

Stresses the direct and open nature of the attempt, without hidden agendas.

straightforward attempt

Indicates an uncomplicated and direct approach to the attempt.

FAQs

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

You can use "honest attempt" to describe a sincere effort made towards a goal, as in "Despite the challenges, she made an "honest attempt" to complete the project".

What are some alternatives to "honest attempt"?

Alternatives include "sincere effort", "genuine effort", or "good-faith effort", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of the endeavor.

Is it redundant to say "very honest attempt"?

While not strictly incorrect, adding "very" can be redundant. The word "honest" already implies a high degree of sincerity. Consider using a stronger adjective like "diligent" or "earnest" if you want to further emphasize the effort.

What is the difference between "honest attempt" and "dishonest attempt"?

"Honest attempt" indicates a sincere and genuine effort, while "dishonest attempt" implies an insincere or deceitful effort, possibly with ulterior motives.