points for trying

USAGE SUMMARY

"points for trying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express appreciation for someone's effort. For example: "Thanks for trying, I really appreciate it. You get points for trying!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

But the man gets points for trying.

The New York Times

Why not give everyone points for trying?

The New York Times - Tech

Others gave Mr. Enders significant points for trying.

The New York Times

Points for trying, though: the organisers did invite Mr Obama.Why?

The Economist

"But you've got to give them style points for trying.

The New York Times

Shriver wants to be given points for trying.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

That is not a promising starting point for trying to shape international climate policy.

The New York Times

"That was the starting point for trying to define what Superhumans meant [this time], not just athletes but anyone with a disability".

The Guardian

Discovery of the dunce gene's role at least gives researchers a new starting point for trying to understand the mechanism of stroke, even though the exact chain of cause and effect remains unclear.

The New York Times

"It is a great selling point for trying to attract young players to the football club and retaining your best young players, with the competition of big clubs around.

BBC

A good starting point for trying out rapid prototyping and design is the Smithsonian Design Challenge.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "points for trying" in writing, consider the tone. It works best in contexts where encouragement or light-heartedness is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "points for trying" in highly formal or critical contexts. Opt for more professional language when evaluating performance or providing serious feedback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "points for trying" functions as an idiom used to offer encouragement or acknowledge effort, especially when success hasn't been achieved. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's a common expression found in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "points for trying" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to acknowledge effort, even in the absence of success. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's most frequently encountered in news and media, with some presence in scientific and formal contexts. While it serves as a valuable tool for encouragement, it is better to avoid it in formal assessments. Consider alternatives like "credit for effort" to ensure that your tone is appropriate for the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

credit for effort

Focuses on acknowledging the effort made, rather than awarding "points".

respect for making an effort

Shifts the focus to respecting the effort put in.

recognition for attempting

Emphasizes the act of attempting something, offering recognition instead of "points".

due credit for their try

Highlights the justification for acknowledging their attempt.

acknowledgment for giving it a shot

Informal way of saying someone deserves credit for trying something.

a pat on the back for trying

Offers encouragement acknowledging the effort.

merit for endeavoring

A more formal expression suggesting that the effort itself is valuable.

deserves praise for the attempt

Shifts focus on praising the attempt, highlighting its value.

accolades for striving

Highlights the dedication involved in the attempt.

commendation for undertaking

Formal and emphasizes the initiative taken.

FAQs

What does it mean to give someone "points for trying"?

Giving someone "points for trying" means acknowledging their effort, even if they didn't succeed. It's a way of showing appreciation for their attempt and encouraging them to keep going.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "points for trying"?

It's appropriate in informal settings, when offering encouragement, or when acknowledging effort in a lighthearted way. Avoid using it in formal evaluations or serious critiques.

What are some alternatives to saying "points for trying"?

You can use alternatives like "credit for effort", "recognition for attempting", or "respect for making an effort" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "points for effort" instead of "points for trying"?

While similar, "points for trying" specifically acknowledges the attempt, while "points for effort" emphasizes the amount of work put in. Choose the phrase that best reflects what you want to recognize.