make a small attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a small attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to trying something with minimal effort or in a limited way. Example: "Despite the challenges, I decided to make a small attempt at learning the guitar."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The last time I baked this crostata, I made a small attempt to gussy it up by scattering a bunch of lemon thyme over the top.

The New York Times - Food

Our study makes a small attempt to try and settle the argument by showing that, on average, aggregate life satisfaction goes down as the richest becomes richer.

The Guardian

Offering a few words in reply shows you're making a small attempt at connecting with another person, but you're not actually answering their question.

HuffPost

Several fires had broken out on both Bellerophon and Orient, and with casualties mounting, Cathcart ordered the anchor cable cut and attempted to make a small amount of sail to bring the ship away from the Orient.

Wikipedia

Make a small table.

WikiHow

Make a small snowball.

WikiHow

Make a small hat.

WikiHow

Make a small inn.

WikiHow

Make a small divot.

WikiHow

Make a small village.

WikiHow

Make a small circle.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make a small attempt" when you want to downplay the effort being made, or when the outcome is uncertain.

Common error

Avoid using "make a small attempt" when the situation actually demands a significant or wholehearted effort. It can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a small attempt" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of initiating a trial or effort with limited commitment or scope. Though Ludwig AI does not provide direct examples, its structural components (verb + adjective + noun) allow for versatile integration into sentences.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a small attempt" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe initiating an action with limited effort. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English. Though Ludwig does not offer specific examples, alternative phrases such as "give it a try" and "make a modest effort" can be used depending on the desired nuance. It's important to use the phrase appropriately, ensuring the level of effort aligns with the situation at hand, in order to maintain credibility and avoid miscommunication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a preliminary attempt

Highlights that this is the first attempt, further attempts are expected.

make a modest effort

Specifies that the effort is limited in scope.

make a token effort

Implies the effort is more symbolic than substantial.

undertake a minor effort

Emphasizes the low level of resources and commitment.

give it a try

Implies a basic effort to test something.

do a trial run

Emphasizes the experimental nature of the attempt.

give a shot

Indicates a brief or quick attempt.

take a stab at it

Suggests a tentative or experimental approach.

take a crack at it

Suggests an informal and possibly unskilled attempt.

try a little

Highlights the small amount of effort involved.

FAQs

How can I use "make a small attempt" in a sentence?

You can use "make a small attempt" to describe a situation where a limited effort is being made. For example: "Despite the challenges, I decided to make a small attempt at learning the guitar."

What can I say instead of "make a small attempt"?

You can use alternatives like "give it a try", "make a modest effort", or "take a stab at it depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "make a small attempt"?

It is appropriate when the goal is to start something with minimal effort, or when success is not guaranteed.

Is "make a small attempt" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal settings might prefer alternatives like "undertake a minor effort".