a fourth attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fourth attempt" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to refer to a consecutive attempt or trial, either in a literal or figurative sense. For example: "Jim was determined to succeed and tried again and again until he finally succeeded on his fourth attempt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

As a fourth attempt begins, Congress should clarify the language.

The New York Times

He was asked whether he would be back for a fourth attempt to take Real beyond the semifinals.

The New York Times - Sports

At one point, Chad Pennington completed three straight passes to Moss, and a fourth attempt was broken up.

The New York Times - Sports

He will now make a fourth attempt on the Australian race, in which he has been second twice.

The Guardian - Sport

Its shareholders will not appreciate a fourth attempt as it will inflate the valuation too much relative to deal risk.

The Guardian - Business

He missed a fourth attempt as the half expired after Johnson called a timeout to ice him.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 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

Use "a fourth attempt" to clearly indicate a sequence of tries, especially when previous attempts have been explicitly mentioned. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using synonyms like "try" or "effort" haphazardly in place of "attempt" if the context requires a precise indication of sequential efforts. "A fourth attempt" specifies a particular stage in a series, which may not be conveyed by a general term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fourth attempt" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific instance in a series of attempts, indicating that previous attempts have occurred. Ludwig AI affirms this with numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a fourth attempt" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase to specify the fourth try in a series of efforts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly found in news and scientific writing. While synonyms exist, using "a fourth attempt" is valuable when precise sequential information is needed. Remember to use it when clarity and specificity are essential, and avoid substituting it with general terms if that level of detail is necessary. The phrase serves to inform the reader that there were 3 other attempts before and emphasize persistence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one more try

Emphasizes the iterative nature of the attempt, using simpler vocabulary.

the fourth try

Switches "attempt" for "try", using the article "the" to give a specific rather than general tone.

another try

Replaces "attempt" with the more informal "try", simplifying the expression.

a renewed attempt

Focuses on the restart or continuation of an effort, maintaining a similar level of formality.

a further effort

Substitutes "attempt" with "effort", emphasizing the exertion involved.

a subsequent effort

Highlights that this is an effort following previous ones, in more formal tone.

yet another shot

Uses "shot" as a colloquial alternative to "attempt", conveying a sense of chance.

a further go

Uses "go" as a more informal synonym for "attempt", suggesting a casual approach.

a repeated endeavor

Replaces "attempt" with the more formal "endeavor", highlighting the sustained effort.

a fourth iteration

Emphasizes the iterative nature of the process, especially in technical or development contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fourth attempt" to describe a situation where someone is trying something for the fourth time, like, "After three failures, the company launched "a fourth attempt" to acquire its competitor."

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "another try", "a further effort", or "one more try" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always necessary to specify the number of attempts?

No, it's not always necessary. However, specifying the number of attempts, such as using "a fourth attempt", can add clarity and emphasize the persistence or difficulty of the task. If the exact number isn't important, consider using phrases like "repeated attempts".

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

"A fourth attempt" indicates a specific attempt in a sequence, while "a final attempt" implies that there will be no further tries. The terms are not interchangeable.