Used and loved by millions

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 quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

Humble attempt

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE 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

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

The New Yorker

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 New York Times

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.

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

The New York Times

"I want to stress, this is a first, humble attempt — this is a beta — we want to see how this goes.

News & Media

TechCrunch
Show more...

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

Independent

"I am proud that my humble attempts to predict Tuesday's prices on Monday are an indispensable component of our society.

News & Media

The New Yorker

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.

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

The New York Times

"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

The New York Times
Show more...

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.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

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.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: