measured attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "measured attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an effort that is calculated, thoughtful, or deliberate, often implying that the attempt is made with careful consideration. Example: "The scientist made a measured attempt to address the complex issue of climate change through her research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The new classification is a measured attempt to ensure regulatory oversight over what is fast becoming the nation's most vital communications network.

The New York Times

You are quite right in concluding that the Federal Communications Commission's latest iteration of its Internet regulatory powers is "a measured attempt to ensure regulatory oversight".

The New York Times

President Obama's decision to reduce but not terminate military aid to Egypt is a measured attempt to protect American interests in a tumultuous region while affirming the president's support for democracy.

The New York Times

Strong causal inference is challenging in the absence of ex ante evaluation design or natural experiments, and our aim is to make a careful and measured attempt to estimate the Global Fund's impacts despite the challenging causal landscape.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Greenfield's defenders - and the scientist herself - say that she has been misrepresented, that sensationalist journalists may have distorted her measured attempts to prompt discussion and highlight gaps in research.

The Guardian

Trees were first marked in 1993 and had their Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) measured, attempts were made to relocate and remeasure trees in 1996, 1999, 2002, 2005, 2008 and 2012.

BMC Ecology

The measures attempt to undo the effect of a sound ruling in June by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

The New York Times

Uphill from the site of a possible fourth circle, where two men with a tape measure attempt a geophysical survey, dark-fleeced sheep merge with granite boulders among bracken and turf dotted with tormentil.

The Guardian

Each foraging measure (attempt rate, acceptance index and feeding rate) was entered as a continuous dependent variable, and animal ID and fruit species were entered as nominal random factors in each initial model.

Plosone

Shortish measure attempt to minimize time and effort as well as to increase patient interest [ 18].

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Most existing measures attempt to capture lost paid work days and some measure of the impact of working with symptoms.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "measured attempt" to convey a sense of careful planning and consideration, particularly when describing actions taken to address complex or sensitive issues.

Common error

Avoid using "measured attempt" in casual or informal writing. It often sounds overly formal or stilted in contexts where a more direct or simple phrase would be appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "measured attempt" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "measured" modifies the noun "attempt". It is used to describe a deliberate and carefully considered effort. This is supported by Ludwig, which indicates that the phrase is used in contexts requiring precision and thoughtfulness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "measured attempt" is a grammatically correct and semantically sound expression used to describe a carefully planned and considered effort. While Ludwig confirms its usability, its frequency is relatively rare, appearing mainly in news media and scientific contexts. When using "measured attempt", remember that it implies thoughtful deliberation and is therefore most suitable for formal or professional communication. For more casual settings, consider alternatives like "careful try". The phrase is useful for signaling that an action was taken with intention and a degree of prudence. Overall, the linguistic analysis suggests that the phrase, even though rare, carries the intended meaning and can be used in many different contexts as long as a careful planning is wanted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

calculated effort

Emphasizes the planning and calculation involved in the attempt.

deliberate undertaking

Highlights the intentional and thoughtful nature of the attempt.

careful endeavor

Focuses on the care and attention given to the attempt.

thoughtful approach

Stresses the thoughtfulness and consideration involved.

considered action

Underscores the consideration and evaluation preceding the action.

strategic move

Highlights the strategic planning and purpose behind the attempt.

well-planned initiative

Emphasizes the comprehensive planning involved in the initiative.

prudent step

Focuses on the wisdom and caution associated with the attempt.

studied effort

Highlights the careful study and preparation behind the effort.

methodical approach

Emphasizes the systematic and orderly nature of the approach.

FAQs

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

Use "measured attempt" to describe an action taken with careful planning and consideration. For example, "The government's policy change was a "measured attempt" to address the economic crisis."

What are some alternatives to "measured attempt"?

Alternatives include "calculated effort", "deliberate undertaking", or "careful endeavor", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "measured attempt" formal or informal?

"Measured attempt" tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, a simpler phrase like "careful try" might be more appropriate.

What distinguishes a "measured attempt" from a regular attempt?

A ""measured attempt"" implies a degree of forethought, planning, and careful execution that may not be present in a simple attempt.