proper attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

"proper attempt" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to an effort that is appropriate or suitable for a particular situation. Example: "She made a proper attempt to solve the problem." Alternative expressions include "sincere effort" and "genuine attempt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Now this, if pursued to the end, is a proper attempt not just at casting within but recasting the gothic genre.

The Guardian - Books

His rule coincided with the first proper attempt, by Harold Wilson's Labour government, to codify the conduct of trade unions; it also coincided with Edward Heath's efforts to bring in an industrial relations act.

The Economist

Featuring fuzzy guitar, big drums and classic rock vibes, I'm not sure if "Xmas Time Of Year" is supposed to be ironic or a proper attempt at a Christmas song.

Independent

By taking the most vigorous view possible of the president's powers, relying on obscure lawsuits and choosing Guantánamo as their prison, his lawyers have managed to delay any proper attempt to review the cases in question.

The Economist

The first proper attempt on goal in the match didn't arrive until the 25th minute, when Tom Hateley delivered an outswinging corner that Henrik Ojamaa sent goal-bound, but Ben Gordon made the clearance.

BBC

Even though this has been pretty clear in Whitehall for many months, today is the first proper attempt the prime minister has made to communicate that reality more clearly.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But this approach fails to take into account that measuring in raw volumes does not put these statistics into a proper attempt-based context.

The New York Times - Sports

It further found there was no adequate supervision at bath times, no family involvement in his assessment and care, no effective clinical leadership and no proper attempts to engage the teenager in activities.

The Guardian

Given the stakes for physics, he said, it would not be proper to attempt any sort of theoretical interpretation of the results.

The New York Times - Science

This was the first proper public attempt by an influential figure in the British game to get to grips with the new reality, of the mega-bucks washing around in the southern hemisphere league with which, in addition to the advantages in profile and lifestyle Sydney enjoys over Wigan, the north simply cannot compete.

The Guardian - Sport

Safety crews did not answer the workers' call for assistance, so Elsea, who never received proper training, attempted to bring the machine back to life.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "proper attempt" when you want to convey that an effort was not only made, but was also appropriate and well-executed for the situation. It implies a standard of quality and suitability.

Common error

Avoid using "proper attempt" in very casual conversations. Opt for simpler terms like "good try" or "real effort" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proper attempt" functions as a noun phrase, where "proper" modifies the noun "attempt". It indicates that an action was undertaken with the appropriate method, skill, or seriousness, as validated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

22%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "proper attempt" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an effort that is both suitable and well-executed. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is considered correct, though it is not overly common. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing, indicating its versatility. To enhance your writing, consider using "proper attempt" when you want to emphasize the quality and appropriateness of an effort, and be mindful of its potential overuse in very informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuine effort

Emphasizes the sincerity and authenticity of the effort made.

earnest endeavor

Highlights the seriousness and dedication involved in the attempt.

sincere effort

Focuses on the honesty and good faith behind the attempt.

suitable try

Indicates that the attempt was appropriate and well-suited for the situation.

fitting effort

Suggests the attempt was appropriate given the circumstances.

adequate endeavor

Implies the attempt was sufficient or satisfactory for the purpose.

appropriate effort

Highlights the relevance and suitability of the attempt to the goal.

serious try

Implies a committed and focused effort to achieve a goal.

thoroughgoing attempt

Suggests that the attempt was comprehensive and exhaustive.

determined effort

Emphasizes the resolve and persistence involved in the attempt.

FAQs

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

You can use "proper attempt" to describe an action or effort that is suitable or appropriate for a given situation. For example, "She made a "proper attempt" to solve the problem, but it was too complex".

What are some alternatives to "proper attempt"?

Alternatives to "proper attempt" include "genuine effort", "sincere effort", or "earnest endeavor". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "very proper attempt"?

Yes, using "very" before "proper attempt" can be redundant. "Proper" already implies a high standard, so adding "very" doesn't significantly enhance the meaning. It's generally better to use just ""proper attempt"".

What's the difference between a "proper attempt" and just an "attempt"?

A ""proper attempt"" implies that the effort was well-suited, appropriate, and met a certain standard of quality or suitability. An "attempt" simply means an effort was made, without specifying its quality or appropriateness.