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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
Humble attempt
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"humble attempt" is a correct and usable phrase in written English
It is used to express an effort made to achieve something, and is typically used to show modesty about the effort. For example: "This essay is my humble attempt to explain the importance of environmental preservation."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Academia
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
12 human-written examples
I was surprised when "Gun Love" made its own humble attempt at an answer.
News & Media
My humble attempt is to do something good for people in trouble and to raise awareness among those who otherwise would remain silent.
News & Media
The lecture entitled "Natural Artifice" is a humble attempt to relate some of the work of MATERIALECOLOGY to my earlier research at the Department of Physiology in the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Medical School under Prof. Rami Rahamimoff.
"In writing this, I make a humble attempt at correcting these rumors, because I have come to realize that absent my voice in the conversation, all that remain are the lies," Richardson said.
News & Media
It described how the images were put together, undercutting the notion that they were meant to signal any new plans for an attack: Peace and mercy of Allah This is a humble attempt I have integrated two pictures of the city and the streets via Photoshop and the rest by Cinema.
News & Media
"I want to stress, this is a first, humble attempt — this is a beta — we want to see how this goes.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
48 human-written examples
"I think his visit can intensify the humble attempts by local parishes to prioritise peace and provide support for victims and children," Father Madrigal said.
News & Media
"I am proud that my humble attempts to predict Tuesday's prices on Monday are an indispensable component of our society.
News & Media
Despite uncharacteristically humble attempts on Herrmann's part at salvaging the situation, Hitchcock never forgave him for disobeying his instructions, and Herrmann continued to feel betrayed by his friend's lack of trust in his judgment.
News & Media
They are humble attempts to translate a medium whose ultimate power and mystery lie in the paradox that it is completely untranslatable, while at the same time capable of speaking to us so deeply.
News & Media
"I do the best I can" was how she characterized her humble attempts at homemade pasta and herb-garden cultivation, which in another era would've been considered super-foodie but now -- when some civilians are slaughtering antibiotic-free cattle with their bare hands -- seem the bare minimum for entertaining.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
✓ Best practice
Use "humble attempt" to convey modesty and acknowledge the limitations of your effort, especially when presenting work or ideas that are still in development.
⚠ Common error
While "humble attempt" can be effective, avoid using it excessively, as it can come across as insincere or undermine the value of your work. Consider using more direct and confident language if your effort is substantial.
Linguistic Context
The phrase "humble attempt" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "humble" modifies the noun "attempt". It describes the nature of the effort being made. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is used to express modesty about the effort.
Expression frequency: Common
✓ Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Academia
25%
Science
17%
⚠ Less common in
Wiki
8%
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "humble attempt" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe an effort made with modesty and without pretension. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to express an effort with a touch of self-deprecation. It's versatile, appearing in news articles, academic papers, and general writing, but should be used judiciously to avoid undermining one's work. Alternatives such as "modest endeavor" or "unassuming effort" can be considered for variety. The phrase enjoys a moderate frequency, particularly in News & Media and Academic contexts.
Alternative expressions
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
modest endeavor
This alternative replaces "attempt" with "endeavor", emphasizing the effort involved while maintaining the sense of humility.
unassuming effort
This phrase uses "unassuming" instead of "humble", highlighting the lack of pretension in the effort.
small-scale effort
This alternative suggests that the effort is limited in scope or ambition.
tentative undertaking
This phrase emphasizes the uncertainty and cautiousness of the attempt.
preliminary effort
This suggests the attempt is an initial step, likely to be followed by further actions.
initial stab
This alternative is more informal and suggests a first try at something.
More alternative expressions(6)
FAQs
How can I use "humble attempt" in a sentence?
You can use "humble attempt" to introduce an effort you've made, especially when you want to express modesty. For example, "This presentation is my "humble attempt" to summarize the key findings of our research."
What are some alternatives to using "humble attempt"?
Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "modest endeavor", "unassuming effort", or "preliminary effort".
Is "humble attempt" formal or informal?
"Humble attempt" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in written communication.
What's the difference between "humble attempt" and "brave attempt"?
"Humble attempt" emphasizes modesty and a recognition of limitations, while "brave attempt" highlights courage and determination in the face of difficulty. The choice depends on the aspect you want to emphasize.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested