initial attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

"initial attempt" is a phrase used in written English.
You can use it any time you are referring to a first or beginning effort at achieving something. For example, "His initial attempt at assembling the model airplane was unsuccessful, but he persevered until he finally got it right."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An initial attempt to provide a unifying vision has been provided by the WSMO initiative [13].

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

Anya snubs his initial attempt at conversation.

The New York Times - Books

But his initial attempt at recovery did not last.

The New York Times

Algeria's initial attempt at multiparty elections in December 1991 ended in disaster.

The New York Times

Our initial attempt at this involved taking in 8 bits in parallel over a multiplexed port.

Cornell University

This paper is an initial attempt to learn evolution PDEs from data.

Stanford University

Still, Cespedes rebuffed Collins's initial attempt to take him out of the game.

The New York Times - Sports

"If you survive the initial attempt, you can do all right," Dr. Zimpfer said.

The New York Times

His initial attempt to fix that problem backfired; he pushed too hard in the other direction.

The New York Times

The initial attempt, however, ended after three days, and a series of subsequent efforts also failed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I had the unfortunate luck that Luis saved the initial attempt".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the outcome of an "initial attempt", clearly state whether it was successful or not to provide context for subsequent actions.

Common error

Avoid implying success or completeness when using "initial attempt". Be explicit about whether further efforts were needed or planned, as omitting this information can mislead readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial attempt" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the first effort made towards achieving a particular goal. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from scientific research to news reports.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "initial attempt" is a common and versatile noun phrase used to describe the first effort made towards a goal. As highlighted by Ludwig, it appears frequently in science, news, and academic contexts. While grammatically correct, it is essential to provide context regarding its success or the need for further efforts. Related phrases like "first endeavor" or "preliminary effort" can be used depending on the level of formality and the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoiding redundancy and ensuring clarity are key to effective communication using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first endeavor

Focuses on the effort and commitment involved in the first try.

preliminary effort

Highlights the exploratory and preparatory nature of the first try.

opening gambit

Suggests a strategic or calculated first move, often in negotiations or competitive situations.

first shot

Emphasizes the opportunity or chance taken in the first try.

trial run

Implies a test or practice version of the first try.

pilot project

Suggests a small-scale, experimental first try, typically in business or research contexts.

test case

Highlights the use of the first try as a method of evaluating something.

maiden voyage

Often used metaphorically to describe the first undertaking of a new project or venture.

initial foray

Implies a tentative or exploratory first entry into a new area or activity.

first stab

Indicates a rough or imprecise first attempt.

FAQs

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

You can use "initial attempt" to describe the first effort made towards achieving a goal. For example, "The project failed after the "initial attempt" but succeeded later."

What is a more formal way to say "initial attempt"?

A more formal alternative to "initial attempt" could be "preliminary effort" or "first endeavor", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "first initial attempt"?

Yes, saying "first initial attempt" is redundant because "initial" already implies that it is the first. Simply use ""initial attempt"".

What's the difference between "initial attempt" and "final attempt"?

"Initial attempt" refers to the first effort made, while "final attempt" refers to the last effort, especially when previous attempts have failed. They represent opposite ends of a series of tries.