modest attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an effort or action that is not grand or extravagant, but rather humble and unassuming. Example: Despite her lack of experience, Sarah made a modest attempt at fixing the broken bike, using only basic tools and her own determination. Though the repairs were not perfect, her modest attempt resulted in a functional bike that could now be used for transportation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Yet Rodman's own modest attempt at diplomacy was short-lived.

The Guardian - Opinion

Consider this a modest attempt to redress the balance.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's our modest attempt to broaden the world of soccer broadcasting.

The Guardian - Music

The pivotal moment in the trust's history involved a modest attempt to generate some cash.

The Guardian - Sport

John Pietrzak is trading overnight on Project A, the Board's modest attempt at electronic trading.

The New York Times

The museum began in 1996 as a modest attempt to rescue remnants of that era, later leasing city land for its own boneyard of salvaged signs.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Nor did Mr. Walker seem inclined to yield to the singers' modest attempts to expand a phrase here and there.

The New York Times - Arts

George Bush's modest attempts to control costs, by means of health savings accounts, have borne little fruit.

The Economist

He has consistently disapproved of even relatively modest attempts to influence the Chinese government, including hunger strikes and economic boycotts.

The New Yorker

In the United States, Republicans in Congress have vowed to block President Obama's modest attempts at economic stimulus, while demanding deeper cuts certain to produce another recession.

The New York Times

A couple of senators made modest attempts to hold the eavesdroppers more accountable by, for example, disclosing the number of law-abiding citizens whose communications have been intercepted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modest attempt" to describe an action or effort that is limited in scope and not intended to be overly ambitious. It's suitable when you want to downplay the significance of an effort.

Common error

Avoid using "modest attempt" when the effort is actually substantial or significant. This can undermine the impact of the action being described. Instead, choose stronger terms that accurately reflect the level of effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest attempt" functions as a noun phrase, where "modest" modifies the noun "attempt". As Ludwig AI indicates, it is used to describe an effort that is limited in scope or ambition. It indicates the degree to which something is attempted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "modest attempt" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an action or effort that is limited in scope and ambition. As Ludwig AI points out, it is suitable for a variety of contexts, including news, science, and formal writing. While alternatives like "slight attempt" or "humble attempt" exist, the key is to use the phrase appropriately, avoiding overstatement and ensuring that it accurately reflects the scale of the action being described. Its function is typically to understate effort, maintaining a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal use. Common across numerous authoritative sources like The New York Times and BBC, it emphasizes that the phrase is well-recognized and used in varied high-quality contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modest effort

Replaces "attempt" with "effort", a direct synonym.

modest bid

Substitutes "attempt" with "bid", indicating a try or offer.

slight attempt

Replaces "modest" with "slight", indicating a minimal effort.

humble attempt

Substitutes "modest" with "humble", emphasizing the unassuming nature of the effort.

small attempt

Substitutes "modest" with "small", focusing on the scale of the effort.

limited attempt

Replaces "modest" with "limited", indicating restrictions on the effort.

conservative attempt

Uses "conservative" instead of "modest", highlighting a cautious approach.

low attempt

Uses "low" instead of "modest", suggesting the attempt may not be very ambitious.

meager attempt

Employs "meager" instead of "modest", suggesting a small or inadequate effort.

timid attempt

Replaces "modest" with "timid", expressing a lack of confidence in the attempt.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest attempt" to describe an action that is not ambitious or extensive, like "The company made a "modest attempt" to reduce its carbon footprint by switching to energy-efficient light bulbs".

What are some alternatives to "modest attempt"?

Alternatives include "slight attempt", "humble attempt", or "limited attempt", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "modest attempt" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "modest attempt" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when you want to convey a sense of humility or downplay the scale of an effort. It can be used across various formal contexts, including business and academic writing.

What's the difference between "modest attempt" and "significant effort"?

"Modest attempt" describes a small-scale action with limited goals, while "significant effort" indicates a substantial and ambitious endeavor. The choice depends on the actual scale and impact of the action you're describing.