I attempted it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I attempted it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to trying or making an effort to do something. Example: "After several hours of practice, I attempted it and finally completed the task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Very, in the sense that I attempted it when I was 19.

The New York Times

"But when I attempted it in my hometown, it grew legs and arms".

The New York Times

Personally, I fell asleep within 25 minutes of episode one the first time I attempted it, although I wouldn't take this as too severe a rebuke.

Independent

But, alas, as he readily admits, "This is not as easy as it sounds: whenever I attempted it, I found myself in a convoluted rhetorical tangle from which there was no exit".

The Guardian - Books

I attempted it a couple of times and spectacularly failed: I tried to hang myself and dragged down a ceiling, losing my deposit on the flat; I tried to gas myself in the car and ran out of petrol.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I got the contraception talk when I was 16, very sternly, following "an incident"; the boys laughed in my face when I attempted it when they were 13 and 11.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

I attempt it, but it's fairly hopeless.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Would I attempt it because I want to be with my husband?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The first time I attempt it, I miss completely.

Huffington Post

I never snow anyone, nor would I attempt it.

Huffington Post

Because truly, it is not often that I am successful at forgiveness, but I attempt it regularly.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I attempted it" when you want to clearly state that you made an effort, regardless of the outcome. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "attempted" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In less formal situations, consider using "tried" or "gave it a shot" to sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I attempted it" functions as a declaration of effort. According to Ludwig, this phrase is deemed grammatically correct and commonly employed. It indicates that the speaker made an effort to perform a specific task or action, regardless of the outcome.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Lifestyle

19%

Books

7%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I attempted it" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that an effort was made. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, although alternatives like "I tried it" might be preferable in very informal settings. The phrase appears frequently in news and media sources, reflecting its broad applicability. When using "I attempted it", ensure it aligns with the overall tone and formality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I tried it

Replaces "attempted" with the more common "tried", indicating a straightforward effort.

I gave it a shot

Uses an idiomatic expression to suggest a casual attempt or try.

I made an effort

Highlights the effort exerted in trying something.

I had a go at it

Employs a more informal, British-English expression for attempting something.

I took a stab at it

Suggests an attempt, often at something challenging or uncertain.

I ventured to do it

Implies a slightly more hesitant or risky attempt.

I undertook it

Indicates a more formal and deliberate attempt or undertaking.

I set about doing it

Focuses on the initiation or commencement of the attempt.

I endeavored to do it

Uses a more formal and emphatic word for 'attempted'.

I pursued it

Implies a continued or prolonged attempt to achieve something.

FAQs

What does "I attempted it" mean?

The phrase "I attempted it" means that you tried to do something, whether or not you were successful. It indicates an effort was made.

What can I say instead of "I attempted it"?

You can use alternatives like "I tried it", "I gave it a shot", or "I made an effort" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I attempted at it"?

No, "I attempted at it" is incorrect. The correct phrasing is "I attempted it" or "I attempted to do it."

What's the difference between "I attempted it" and "I tried it"?

While both phrases are similar, "I attempted it" can sometimes imply a more formal or deliberate effort than "I tried it". The choice often depends on the context and the desired tone.