rudimentary attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rudimentary attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a basic or preliminary effort made towards achieving something. Example: "His rudimentary attempt at solving the complex problem showed that he needed more practice and guidance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

However, writing after the final episode, Simon Hoggart in The Spectator noted that "There has been some whipped-up controversy about Horrible Histories", adding that "where the books make a rudimentary attempt to teach history as a series of interconnected events, the television show is basically gags, chiefly about defecation, gluttony, murder and torture.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He needs to make some rudimentary attempts to figure out who he is.

The New York Times

This theory, however, has been criticized for underestimating the contribution of prior learning and for not going beyond rudimentary attempts to classify and analyze the structures that it deems so important.

Encyclopedia Britannica

From the time of the French composer Adolphe Adam's score for Giselle (1841), ballet composers made rudimentary attempts to express mood and scene, to create dramatic tension, and to characterize personality in music.

Encyclopedia Britannica

IT took Jonathan Brunot, undeniably handsome at 19 yet so profoundly autistic that the most rudimentary attempts at communication can provoke a wild-eyed struggle, six years to learn how to tie the laces of his sneakers.

The New York Times

As a law student, she had studied reformatories in Massachusetts and was appalled by what she saw — children being held in prisonlike conditions, with only the most rudimentary attempts at education — so when she graduated she looked for an organization that defended children in court.

The New Yorker

In this, young belugas are similar to human babies, who babble and make rudimentary attempts at word segments before being able to fully form words, and then sentences.

BBC

There are also some signs that these drawings are rudimentary attempts at communication – the size of the random squiggles seems to correspond to the size of nearby objects, for instance.

BBC

We freak out over 2D platformers making rudimentary attempts at portraying a theme beyond "shoot this lad's mouth off".

Vice

Instead, the team has implemented a class-based AI system, allowing computer soldiers to attempt rudimentary squad tactics, or simply to sneak up and pepper you with lead while you're looking in the other direction.

The Guardian - Tech

But today, Google has put together what can only be described as an extremely dumbed-down one minute video (below) and rudimentary website to attempt to explain to everyone once again exactly what a web browser is.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rudimentary attempt" when you want to emphasize that an effort is basic, initial, or lacking sophistication. It's suitable for describing early-stage projects or skills.

Common error

Avoid using "rudimentary attempt" when describing highly skilled or advanced efforts. The phrase implies a lack of complexity and should be reserved for truly basic endeavors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rudimentary attempt" functions as a noun phrase, where "rudimentary" modifies the noun "attempt". It describes the quality of the attempt, indicating it is basic, undeveloped, or initial. Ludwig AI validates this usage through examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rudimentary attempt" is a grammatically sound way to describe a basic or initial effort, as validated by Ludwig AI. Although its frequency is rare, its meaning is clear and it's used across a range of sources, as indicated by Ludwig. When considering the usage, remember that it best describes efforts that are simple or undeveloped. Alternatives such as "basic effort" or "preliminary endeavor" may be more suitable in certain contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basic effort

Replaces "rudimentary attempt" with simpler, more common synonyms, emphasizing the simplicity of the effort.

preliminary endeavor

Substitutes "attempt" with "endeavor" for a slightly more formal tone, highlighting the initial stage of the effort.

initial stab

Uses a more informal term "stab" for attempt, implying a first try at something.

simple try

Emphasizes the lack of complexity in the attempt.

early stage effort

Focuses on the temporal aspect, indicating that the effort is in its initial phase.

unsophisticated endeavor

Highlights the lack of sophistication or refinement in the effort.

raw undertaking

Implies that the attempt is in its unrefined or unprocessed form.

inchoate effort

Uses a more formal term "inchoate" to describe the undeveloped or just beginning nature of the effort.

underdeveloped attempt

Directly states the lack of development or completeness of the attempt.

modest try

Conveys that the attempt is limited in scope or ambition.

FAQs

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

"Rudimentary attempt" describes a basic or initial effort. For example, "His "rudimentary attempt" at painting showed promise, but he needed more training."

What are some alternatives to "rudimentary attempt"?

Alternatives include "basic effort", "preliminary endeavor", or "simple try", depending on the context.

Is "rudimentary attempt" formal or informal?

"Rudimentary attempt" is relatively neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and choose synonyms if a more specific tone is needed.

What's the difference between "rudimentary attempt" and "failed attempt"?

"Rudimentary attempt" describes the nature of the effort, while "failed attempt" focuses on the outcome. A "rudimentary attempt" might still be successful, whereas a failed attempt didn't achieve its goal.