a fifth attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fifth attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the number of times an action has been tried, specifically the fifth time. Example: "After a fifth attempt to solve the puzzle, she finally found the solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

A fifth attempt, though, is a foot too full and put away to midwicket by Morgan.

The Guardian - Sport

A fifth attempt to make gay marriage legal in Northern Ireland will be made in the region's parliament.

The Guardian

Facing the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in a fifth attempt on Wednesday would have been a letdown.

The New York Times - Sports

Stoll told Nyad that she would not accompany her on a fifth attempt at Cuba: she was increasingly disturbed by her friend's inability to accept defeat.

The New Yorker

Although Istanbul, the Turkish metropolis, did better than many expected in finishing second to Tokyo, it lost a fifth attempt to host the Games.

The New York Times - Sports

A fifth attempt finally intersected the original on Nov. 1, and about 3,400 barrels of heavy mud were pumped through the relief well into the base of the original well.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

A second attempt was even "scarier.

The New York Times

A third attempt was planned.

The New York Times

Not bad for a first attempt.

The Guardian - Music

They were successful on a second attempt.

The Guardian

That'll do for a first attempt.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "attempt" with a more specific term (endeavor, try, go) to add nuance and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a fifth attempt" when the actual number of attempts is unknown or uncertain. This can confuse the reader and diminish the credibility of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fifth attempt" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a specific instance of trying to achieve something. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fifth attempt" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote the fifth try at something. As verified by Ludwig AI, its usage is correct and most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While not exceedingly common, it effectively conveys the sequence of efforts. Related phrases like "the fifth try" or "fifth endeavor" offer variety, but "a fifth attempt" remains a clear and concise choice. Remember to ensure clarity by establishing context for the previous attempts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the fifth try

Replaces "attempt" with the shorter, more informal "try".

the fifth effort

Replaces "attempt" with "effort", a synonym that emphasizes exertion.

a fifth endeavor

Substitutes "attempt" with "endeavor", suggesting a more significant or ambitious effort.

a fifth go

Uses "go" instead of "attempt", which is more colloquial.

the fifth undertaking

Replaces "attempt" with "undertaking", implying a project or task.

a fifth venture

Substitutes "attempt" with "venture", suggesting a risky or uncertain endeavor.

the fifth iteration

Replaces "attempt" with "iteration", which is more commonly used in technical contexts.

a fifth shot

Uses "shot" instead of "attempt", often used in informal contexts.

the fifth stab

Replaces "attempt" with "stab", suggesting a less precise or more experimental effort.

a fifth crack

Uses "crack" instead of "attempt", which is more informal and suggests trying to break through a challenge.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fifth attempt" to indicate that someone is trying to do something for the fifth time. For example: "After "a fourth attempt" failed, they decided to make "a fifth attempt"".

What are some alternatives to saying "a fifth attempt"?

Alternatives include "the fifth try", "the fifth effort", or "the fifth endeavor", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the fifth attempt" instead of "a fifth attempt"?

Both "a fifth attempt" and "the fifth attempt" are grammatically correct. "A fifth attempt" implies one of possibly many fifth attempts, while "the fifth attempt" suggests a specific, previously mentioned fifth attempt.

What's the difference between "a fifth attempt" and "a final attempt"?

"A fifth attempt" specifies the number of tries, whereas "a final attempt" indicates that there will be no more tries after this one. The terms are not interchangeable.