points for effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "points for effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to acknowledge someone's attempt or hard work, even if the outcome was not successful. Example: "Although the project didn't meet all the requirements, I want to give you points for effort in trying to tackle such a challenging task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Give him points for effort.

The New York Times

Welcome to the Showroom Acer gets points for effort, which is more than can be said for Samsung.

The New York Times - Sports

"InSight," made on the cheap and shot in 15 days, gets points for effort but leaves you hungry.

The New York Times

Wedding party people In theory, most people want to scrub up in their profile pics so points for effort here.

The Guardian - Opinion

It also takes a great deal of rigorous training in fuddy-duddiness to pull off a hat this bad, so she gets extra points for effort here.

Independent

They get points for effort, even though they lost the case, which was decided two weeks ago but received little attention.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"These professors will be the focal points for efforts to tackle complex problems from multiple disciplinary perspectives," said Dennis O'Shea, executive director of media relations.

Science Magazine

I am grateful that, in a limited context (for sure) both of these songs have become rallying points for efforts to assert what is good in ourselves and what is reprehensible and frightening in the face of the recent election. .

Huffington Post

The standard would mark a turning point for efforts to regulate fast-growing emissions from airplanes, which are not covered by December's much-hailed Paris climate agreement.

The Guardian

And while eastern Bolivia remains a center for antigovernment groups and talk of separatism, Sucre has become a flash point for efforts to chisel away at the president's influence.

The New York Times

Their performance is a key leverage point for efforts to redress inequities and enable achievement of the highest attainable standard of health.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "points for effort" to acknowledge progress or participation, even when the desired outcome isn't fully achieved. This fosters a positive and encouraging environment.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "points for effort" in formal evaluations. While encouraging, balance it with metrics that accurately reflect skill and achievement for a fair assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "points for effort" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression used to acknowledge and reward someone's attempt or hard work, even if the final result isn't entirely successful. As highlighted by Ludwig, it recognizes the value of the attempt itself.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

The Guardian - Opinion

10%

The Guardian - Film

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "points for effort" is a phrase used to acknowledge someone's attempt or hard work, even if the outcome wasn't fully successful. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The phrase functions as an idiomatic expression with the primary purpose of encouragement. While not exceedingly common, it finds usage across various contexts, as indicated by its presence in news, media, and wiki sources. When writing, use it to foster a positive environment, balancing this acknowledgement with objective measures of achievement. Consider alternatives such as "credit for trying" or "recognition for attempt" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

credit for trying

Focuses on acknowledging the act of trying, shifting the emphasis from quantified recognition to simple acknowledgement.

recognition for attempt

Highlights the formal acknowledgement of the effort made, suitable in professional environments.

acknowledgment of effort

A more formal way to recognize the hard work put in, suitable for written communication or official reviews.

commendation for the try

Emphasizes that someone praised the effort that was made, it's more strong and high-level alternative

kudos for giving it a shot

It's an informal expression. 'Kudos' expresses approval, acknowledging the attempt positively.

props for the attempt

An informal way to give someone credit and acknowledge an action, a colloquial and contemporary.

merit for endeavor

Focuses on the value and worth of the effort, highlighting that the endeavor itself is praiseworthy.

appreciation for diligence

Emphasizes that someone recognize and value the constant effort, highlighting that the consistency itself is praiseworthy.

respect for dedication

Emphasizes that someone respect for the persistent commitment, highlighting that the dedication itself is praiseworthy.

accolades for striving

Conveys a sense of formal praise and recognition for having tried, typically in an environment of recognition.

FAQs

How can I use "points for effort" in a sentence?

You can use "points for effort" to acknowledge someone's attempt or hard work, even if the outcome was not successful. For example: "Although the project didn't meet all the requirements, I want to give you "points for effort" in trying to tackle such a challenging task."

What can I say instead of "points for effort"?

You can use alternatives like "credit for trying", "recognition for attempt", or "acknowledgment of effort" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "points for effort"?

It is appropriate to use "points for effort" when you want to acknowledge someone's attempt or hard work, even if the outcome was not successful. This is useful in fostering a positive and encouraging environment.

What's the nuance between "points for effort" and "recognition for attempt"?

"Points for effort" implies a quantified or specific acknowledgement, while "recognition for attempt" is a more general and high-level way of recognizing the attempt.