"meager attempt" vs "meager attempt to"

Question

"meager attempt" vs "meager attempt to"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Meager attempt to' is used when describing an action or intention following the preposition 'to,' while 'meager attempt' is used to describe the attempt itself without specifying any further action. They are not directly comparable as they serve different purposes.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

This phrase is used to describe an effort or try that is lacking in quantity, quality, or effectiveness. It stands alone without being followed by a verb or a noun.

Examples:

His meager attempt at solving the puzzle left everyone puzzled.
The team's meager attempt to score a goal was unsuccessful.
She made a meager attempt to learn the new language, but soon gave up.

Alternatives:

feeble attempt
inadequate attempt
weak attempt
poor attempt
insufficient attempt

This phrase is used to describe a feeble or inadequate effort made to achieve something. It is followed by a verb or a noun that represents the action or intention.

Examples:

He made a meager attempt to finish his homework before the deadline.
She put up a meager attempt to convince her parents to let her go to the party.
The company's meager attempt to improve customer service fell short of expectations.

Alternatives:

feeble attempt to
inadequate attempt to
weak attempt to
poor attempt to
insufficient attempt to

Answer 1

meager attempt

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe a feeble or inadequate attempt without specifying any further action.

Answer 2

meager attempt to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe an action or intention following the preposition 'to.'

"meager attempt" vs "meager attempt to"

meager attempt

meager attempt to

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