humble attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

"humble attempt" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express an effort made to achieve something, and is typically used to show modesty about the effort. For example: "This essay is my humble attempt to explain the importance of environmental preservation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

I was surprised when "Gun Love" made its own humble attempt at an answer.

The New Yorker

My humble attempt is to do something good for people in trouble and to raise awareness among those who otherwise would remain silent.

The New York Times

The lecture entitled "Natural Artifice" is a humble attempt to relate some of the work of MATERIALECOLOGY to my earlier research at the Department of Physiology in the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Medical School under Prof. Rami Rahamimoff.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"In writing this, I make a humble attempt at correcting these rumors, because I have come to realize that absent my voice in the conversation, all that remain are the lies," Richardson said.

The Guardian - Arts

It described how the images were put together, undercutting the notion that they were meant to signal any new plans for an attack: Peace and mercy of Allah This is a humble attempt I have integrated two pictures of the city and the streets via Photoshop and the rest by Cinema.

The New York Times

"I want to stress, this is a first, humble attempt — this is a beta — we want to see how this goes.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"I think his visit can intensify the humble attempts by local parishes to prioritise peace and provide support for victims and children," Father Madrigal said.

Independent

"I am proud that my humble attempts to predict Tuesday's prices on Monday are an indispensable component of our society.

The New Yorker

Despite uncharacteristically humble attempts on Herrmann's part at salvaging the situation, Hitchcock never forgave him for disobeying his instructions, and Herrmann continued to feel betrayed by his friend's lack of trust in his judgment.

The Guardian - Film

They are humble attempts to translate a medium whose ultimate power and mystery lie in the paradox that it is completely untranslatable, while at the same time capable of speaking to us so deeply.

The New York Times

"I do the best I can" was how she characterized her humble attempts at homemade pasta and herb-garden cultivation, which in another era would've been considered super-foodie but now -- when some civilians are slaughtering antibiotic-free cattle with their bare hands -- seem the bare minimum for entertaining.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "humble attempt" to introduce a piece of work or an action when you want to convey modesty about your capabilities or the scope of what you are trying to achieve. This adds a layer of sincerity to your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "humble attempt" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your modesty seem insincere or contrived. Vary your language to maintain authenticity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "humble attempt" functions as a modifier plus noun construction. It usually introduces an explanation, a task, or a creation to diminish one's merit. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its primary grammatical function is to add a layer of sincerity or modesty to a statement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "humble attempt" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that adds modesty to an action or piece of work. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is primarily used to introduce something while downplaying one's own merit or expertise. While "humble attempt" appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, its versatility extends to academic and scientific writing as well. To avoid overuse and maintain authenticity, consider employing synonyms such as "modest endeavor" or "small effort". Overall, "humble attempt" is a valuable phrase for conveying sincerity and humility in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modest endeavor

Replaces "attempt" with "endeavor" to convey a sense of undertaking a task, while "modest" maintains the sense of humility.

small effort

Focuses on the scale of the effort, emphasizing its limited nature.

tentative effort

Highlights the uncertain or experimental nature of the attempt.

preliminary attempt

Indicates that the attempt is an initial step, not a final solution.

initial stab

Informal way of describing a first attempt or try.

first crack

Similar to "initial stab", this phrase describes the first try at something, informally.

minor undertaking

Substitutes "attempt" with "undertaking", presenting the effort as a project, described as "minor".

basic endeavor

Suggests the attempt is fundamental and straightforward.

timid approach

Emphasizes the cautious or hesitant manner in which the attempt is made.

limited shot

Highlights the constraints or restrictions placed on the attempt.

FAQs

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

You can use "humble attempt" to describe your own efforts when you want to express modesty about what you're doing. For example, "This explanation is my "humble attempt" to clarify the situation".

What are some alternatives to "humble attempt"?

Some alternatives include "modest endeavor", "small effort", or "tentative effort", each carrying a similar connotation of modesty.

When is it appropriate to use "humble attempt"?

It's best to use "humble attempt" when you genuinely feel that your efforts are limited or when you want to downplay your accomplishments to avoid appearing arrogant.

Is "humble attempt" too cliché?

While "humble attempt" is a recognizable phrase, it isn't necessarily cliché if used appropriately. However, consider using synonyms like "modest endeavor" or "preliminary attempt" to add variety to your writing.