significant attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an effort that is considerable or noteworthy in its scope or impact. Example: "The researchers made a significant attempt to address the issues raised in the previous studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

New York City's first significant attempt at such an educational partnership did not work.

The New York Times

Never mind that his Bech books were among his least successful - it was a significant attempt.

The Guardian - Books

The project appears to be the most significant attempt to challenge the main parties yet to emerge.

The Guardian

It's the company's most significant attempt to fix issues that may have led to two recent catastrophic crashes.

MIT Technology Review

At a later court hearing, Mr Ferguson described it as a "significant attempt" to take his own life.

The Guardian

It is a serious and potentially significant attempt to revitalise the main transatlantic institution, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

The Economist

This small but significant attempt at cultural continuity becomes more meaningful when she is diagnosed with terminal cancer.

The Economist

The report - the first significant attempt to involve governments, NGOs and industries from rich and poor countries - took 400 scientists four years to complete.

The Guardian

It will be the first significant attempt to reach a worldwide consensus on global warming targets since the infamously chaotic UN summit in Copenhagen in 2009.

The Guardian - Business

The first significant attempt to account for this fact was primarily due to the Dutch physicist Hendrik Antoon Lorentz (1853 1928).

Encyclopedia Britannica

He said: "Mrs Cooke was a lady who had suffered with low mood and depression for a number of years and there had been a significant attempt to take her own life as long ago as 2009".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "significant attempt", clearly articulate the goal of the attempt and, if possible, its outcome or impact.

Common error

Avoid using "significant attempt" to describe trivial or minor efforts. Ensure the attempt genuinely warrants the descriptor "significant" based on its scope, resources, or potential impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant attempt" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "significant" modifies the noun "attempt". It describes an action or undertaking that is noteworthy or important. Ludwig AI shows that it typically precedes verbs indicating action or evaluation, such as 'to reach', 'to challenge', 'to improve', or 'was made'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "significant attempt" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a noteworthy or substantial effort. As determined by Ludwig AI, this phrase is used across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias, with a neutral tone. To enhance your writing, ensure the attempt justifies the descriptor "significant", avoiding overuse for trivial efforts. Alternatives such as "major effort" or "substantial endeavor" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major effort

Replaces "significant" with "major", indicating a large scale or important undertaking.

substantial endeavor

Substitutes both "significant" and "attempt" with more formal synonyms, emphasizing the effort's size and purpose.

considerable undertaking

Similar to "substantial endeavor", highlighting the magnitude and commitment involved.

notable effort

Replaces "significant" with "notable", focusing on the effort's worthiness of attention.

marked endeavor

Synonymous with notable effort with a slightly stronger emphasis on distinctiveness.

important initiative

Shifts the focus to the proactive nature of the effort and its importance.

serious undertaking

Emphasizes the gravity and dedication associated with the effort.

determined effort

Highlights the resolve and persistence invested in the attempt.

strenuous effort

Focuses on the intensity and difficulty of the attempt.

ambitious project

Highlights the high goals and scope of the attempt.

FAQs

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

You can use "significant attempt" to describe a considerable or noteworthy effort, such as: "The company made a "significant attempt" to reduce its carbon footprint".

What can I say instead of "significant attempt"?

You can use alternatives like "major effort", "substantial endeavor", or "considerable undertaking" depending on the context.

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

"Significant attempt" emphasizes the magnitude or importance of the attempt, while "notable effort" focuses on the fact that the effort is worthy of attention or recognition. While similar in meaning, the subtle differences in emphasis can make one more appropriate than the other depending on the intended message.

Is it correct to say "a significant attempt was made"?

Yes, "a significant attempt was made" is a grammatically correct and commonly used construction. It is often used to passively describe an effort, such as: "A "significant attempt" was made to resolve the conflict".