valiant attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

"valiant attempt" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a brave or courageous effort to do something difficult. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as sports, academic endeavors, or even everyday situations. Here are a few examples: - Despite the odds, the team made a valiant attempt to come back in the final minutes of the game. - She made a valiant attempt to finish the marathon, even though she had never run that distance before. - Despite their inexperience, the group made a valiant attempt at fixing the broken engine. - The students put in a valiant attempt to understand the complex math problem, but ultimately had to ask the teacher for help.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr Ahmadinejad did make a valiant attempt to curb subsidies.

The Economist

He made a valiant attempt to rein in costs, too.

The Economist

"Valiant attempt," she says as he walks away.

The New Yorker

It's a valiant attempt to make sarcasm edible, but too overblown to really enjoy.

The New Yorker

The children's father, Mr Philpott, made a "valiant" attempt to save them, police said.

Independent

Hardy made a valiant attempt to try and salvage the situation, but Hawley was long gone.

The Guardian

"Second-guessing people who made a valiant attempt at judgment is not where I am at".

The New York Times

OPERA movies represent a valiant attempt to translate an elitist art into popular entertainment.

The New York Times

TUCHMAN--Judith, died November 3, 2004, after a valiant attempt to live with a severe illness.

The New York Times

An intrepid Guardian reporter makes a valiant attempt at the invisible-box challenge.

The Guardian

A valiant attempt to dramatise the WikiLeaks story – but the story itself lacks drama.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "valiant attempt" when you want to highlight not just the effort, but the courage and determination behind it, especially when facing significant obstacles. It adds a layer of admiration to the description of the try.

Common error

Avoid using "valiant attempt" for everyday tasks or easily achievable goals. Save it for situations where the effort truly stands out due to its difficulty or the odds faced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "valiant attempt" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "valiant" modifies the noun "attempt". It emphasizes the courageous or determined nature of the effort made, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "valiant attempt" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a courageous or determined effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, especially when acknowledging effort in the face of adversity. Predominantly found in News & Media, it also appears in academic and business settings. While alternatives like "courageous effort" or "determined effort" exist, "valiant attempt" specifically highlights the admirable quality of the try. It's important to reserve its use for situations where the effort truly warrants recognition due to the difficulty or challenges involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

courageous effort

Focuses on the bravery and boldness of the endeavor.

determined effort

Emphasizes the persistence and resolve in trying to achieve something.

spirited endeavor

Highlights the enthusiasm and energy put into the undertaking.

bold undertaking

Stresses the daring and ambitious nature of the project.

heroic effort

Implies a grand and selfless attempt, often in a critical situation.

plucky try

Suggests a brave but possibly unsuccessful attempt, often by someone unexpected.

resolute endeavor

Highlights the unwavering commitment to achieving a specific goal.

audacious undertaking

Emphasizes the risk-taking and unconventional nature of the effort.

strenuous effort

Focuses on the amount of energy and difficulty involved in the try.

game attempt

Indicates a willing and enthusiastic effort, even if the chances of success are slim.

FAQs

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

You can use "valiant attempt" to describe someone's brave and determined effort to achieve something despite facing significant challenges. For example: "Despite the setbacks, the team made a "valiant attempt" to win the championship."

What are some alternatives to "valiant attempt"?

Some alternatives to "valiant attempt" include "courageous effort", "determined effort", or "spirited endeavor". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to succeed after making a "valiant attempt"?

No, a "valiant attempt" acknowledges the commendable effort regardless of the outcome. The phrase emphasizes the courage and determination displayed, even if the goal wasn't achieved.

What is the difference between "valiant attempt" and "good effort"?

"Valiant attempt" implies a higher degree of bravery and determination in the face of adversity, whereas "good effort" is a more general term for satisfactory exertion. A "valiant attempt" suggests a more remarkable and admirable quality than a "good effort".