maiden attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maiden attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone's first effort or trial at something, often implying a sense of novelty or inexperience. Example: "Her maiden attempt at baking resulted in a delicious cake that surprised everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The Q is Google's maiden attempt at making its own hardware (and, unusually, is manufactured in the United States).

The New York Times

A maiden attempt has been made by the authors to devise a new technique to retrofit RC beams with external reinforcement.

Construction and Building Materials

Maiden attempt has been made for the direct estimation of the contributions of silver and copper ions to the ionic conductivity in superionic solids obtained in CuI-doped silver oxysalt systems.

Electrochimica Acta

At the age of eleven, Wharton reports, she made her maiden attempt at a novel of manners, which began with one character saying to another, "Oh, how do you do, Mrs. Brown?..

The New Yorker

While there is a history of runners winning their debut marathon -- Emil Zatopek of Czechoslovakia won the Olympic marathon in 1952 on his maiden attempt -- victories by rookies appear to have become more prevalent in recent years.

The New York Times - Sports

Offers Road Map For Policy With U.S. PARIS, Nov. 3 -- European governments drew up a road map for relations with the new U.S. president Monday in their maiden attempt to present a concerted policy to guide dealings with the United States.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Both Russia and the US failed in their maiden attempts.

BBC

Later, in the enchanted garden of magician Klingsor's castle, flower maidens attempt to ensnare Parsifal with a leotarded music-and-movement routine borrowed from early Kate Bush, but he doesn't swing that way.

The Guardian - Music

The maiden launch attempt one year ago didn't go so well, and today's launch was almost aborted.

TechCrunch

This maiden work attempts to employ the singularity-free Integral Augmented Sliding Mode Control with Boundary-Layer (IASMC-BL) to provide a robust, accurate and nonsingular attitude-tracking solution for CEACS.

Advances in Space Research

A recent purchase from the Roger Charlton yard, having won a maiden at the third attempt in July the last time he ran.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "maiden attempt" when you want to emphasize the novelty or inexperience associated with the first try at something. For example, "The company's "maiden attempt" at entering the European market was met with unexpected challenges."

Common error

Avoid using "maiden attempt" in very casual conversation. Simpler terms like "first try" or "first attempt" are often more appropriate. Reserve "maiden attempt" for more formal writing or when you want to add a touch of elegance or significance to the description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maiden attempt" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes the initial effort or endeavor in a particular activity or field, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "maiden attempt" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a first try, often implying novelty or inexperience. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it can be used across various contexts, it's more common in news, science, and formal settings and should be employed judiciously in informal settings. For alternatives, consider "first try" or "initial effort", depending on the desired tone and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first try

Replaces "attempt" with the more informal "try".

initial undertaking

Substitutes both words for more formal synonyms.

first endeavor

Replaces "attempt" with "endeavor" indicating a serious or determined effort.

debut effort

Uses "debut" to emphasize the first public appearance of the effort.

inaugural effort

Highlights the beginning or commencement of the effort.

opening gambit

Implies a strategic initial move or risk.

trial run

Suggests the attempt is for testing or practice purposes.

opening shot

Implies a first attempt in a competitive context.

early stage

Focuses on the temporal aspect of the attempt.

fresh start

Emphasizes the newness and beginning of the attempt.

FAQs

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

You can use "maiden attempt" to describe someone's first try at something, often implying inexperience or novelty. For example: "Her "maiden attempt" at public speaking was surprisingly successful."

What can I say instead of "maiden attempt"?

You can use alternatives like "first try", "initial effort", or "debut effort" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "maiden attempt"?

Yes, "maiden attempt" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a first try. It is considered standard English.

What's the nuance between "maiden attempt" and "first attempt"?

"Maiden attempt" often carries a slightly more formal or literary tone compared to the more straightforward "first attempt". It can also emphasize the newness or inexperience associated with the attempt.