small attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor effort or endeavor made towards achieving something. Example: "Despite the small attempt to fix the issue, the problem persisted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

It's simply a small attempt to redress an imbalance.

The Guardian - Books

It is a small attempt to bridge India's great and growing gulf.

The New York Times

"It's not going to be the panacea, but it's a small attempt".

The New York Times

For that regrettable ignorance the following is a small attempt at a remedy.

The New Yorker

I bought the book, but, in some small attempt at dignity, I didn't read it.

The New Yorker

But as a parent, shouldn't there be some small attempt at being parental?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

This is a small-scale attempt at something like that that people might actually use.

TechCrunch

To note, due to small-scale attempt, we could not obtain sufficient number of adherent cells to carry out the flow cytometry analysis.

BioMed Research International

Over the years there have been various small attempts to update the text: these have sensibly now stopped.

The Guardian

In her ruthless march of virtue, Elizabeth Moberley stamps out her family's small attempts at warmth and joy.

The Guardian - Books

Since then, Capriati has made small attempts at reclaiming a sort of normalcy in her post-tennis life.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small attempt" when you want to downplay the significance of an action or suggest that it is only a starting point. For instance, "This donation is a small attempt to address the larger issue of homelessness."

Common error

Avoid using "small attempt" when the effort is, in reality, quite significant or impactful. Doing so can undermine the true value of the action and mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small attempt" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It characterizes an action or endeavor as being of limited scale or impact, as evidenced by the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small attempt" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe an action or endeavor of limited scope. Ludwig confirms its correctness and adaptability across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While appropriate for managing expectations or conveying modesty, it's crucial to avoid using it when the actual effort is significant, as this can diminish its true value. Alternatives like "modest endeavor" or "minor undertaking" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight effort

Focuses on the limited energy or work invested.

modest endeavor

Emphasizes the humility and limited scope of the effort.

humble effort

Stresses the lack of pretension and ambition.

minor undertaking

Highlights the reduced scale and importance of the action.

token gesture

Suggests that the effort is more symbolic than substantial.

limited trial

Implies an experimental or preliminary nature.

preliminary measure

Indicates an action taken as a first step.

pilot project

Describes a small-scale experiment or study.

initial stab

Suggests a tentative or first-time effort.

fledgling effort

Implies a new and inexperienced undertaking.

FAQs

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

You can use "small attempt" to describe a minor effort made towards achieving something larger. For example, "This project is a "small attempt" to solve a complex problem".

What are some alternatives to "small attempt"?

Alternatives include "modest endeavor", "minor undertaking", or "token gesture", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "small attempt" in formal writing?

Yes, "small attempt" is appropriate in formal writing when you want to convey that an effort is limited in scope. However, consider using a more formal alternative like "preliminary measure" if the situation requires.

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

"Small attempt" indicates a limited or minor effort, while "significant effort" implies a substantial or major undertaking. The choice depends on the scale and impact of the action you are describing.