a frantic attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a frantic attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a hurried or desperate effort to achieve something, often in a stressful situation. Example: "In a frantic attempt to save the project, the team worked late into the night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Treatment is a frantic attempt to replace body fluids.

The New York Times - Magazine

The voice is incessant; the ongoing chatter, internal and external, a frantic attempt to find resolution.

The Guardian - Books

Since then, there has been a frantic attempt to collect and visualise information about events and the number of victims.

The Guardian

Cue a frantic attempt to get Mrs Parekh to give the union her blessing, via the power of dance.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

(Just before he was arrested, he told me, he had burned two of the fakes in his fireplace, in a frantic attempt to cover his tracks).

The New Yorker

Susan has falsely accused Rick of rape in a frantic attempt to avoid her father's wrath after he finds a condom wrapper in her bedroom and goes ballistic.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

But with Slickey leaching money, Pelham fired off a distress call in a further frantic attempt to lure audiences.

Independent

Her struggles nevertheless remain futile even when she punches him, and in a final frantic attempt at defense, she smashes a nearby bottle of liquor into his face.

Wikipedia

In a final, frantic attempt to manoeuvre their host to safety, Frazier's scrambled neurons sent out one last electrical surge that propelled him hopping for cover towards the neutral corner.

The Guardian - Sport

No wonder there's a fast and frantic attempt to put a competent leader in place.

The Guardian - Opinion

Once, in a desperate and frantic attempt to avoid packing, I even went out visiting at 10 p.m. the night before an early start, threatening not to go at all because I just "couldn't" pack.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a frantic attempt" to vividly describe situations where time is of the essence and the effort is driven by anxiety or urgency. It helps convey the intensity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a frantic attempt" in situations that are merely busy or require focused effort. The phrase is best reserved for scenarios where there's a clear element of desperation or panic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a frantic attempt" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an action undertaken with urgency, desperation, and often, a sense of panic. Ludwig provides several examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

9%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a frantic attempt" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an action taken with urgency, desperation, and anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. When writing, use it to emphasize the intensity of a situation where time is critical and the effort is driven by a sense of panic. Avoid using it in overly calm or mundane contexts. Related phrases include "a desperate measure" or "a hurried endeavor", depending on the nuance you want to convey. The phrase's frequency and authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscore its established presence in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a last-ditch effort

Emphasizes that this is the final try to achieve a goal before it's too late, closely mirroring the urgency of "a frantic attempt".

a desperate measure

Implies a last-ditch effort, potentially riskier than a "frantic attempt".

a panicked effort

Highlights the anxiety and lack of control involved in the attempt.

a hurried endeavor

Focuses on the speed of the effort, less emphasis on the desperation.

a chaotic scramble

Focuses on the disarray and lack of coordination, more intense than "a frantic attempt".

a frenzied undertaking

Suggests a more chaotic and disorganized approach compared to "a frantic attempt".

a rushed action

Highlights the speed and lack of thoroughness, downplaying the desperation aspect.

a wild stab

Indicates a less calculated and more random action than a "frantic attempt".

a mad dash

Emphasizes speed and urgency, but less focused on the overall goal or strategy.

a vigorous exertion

This phrase emphasizes the amount of energy put into an effort, but not necessarily the desperation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a frantic attempt" to describe an action taken with urgency and desperation, like: "The team made "a frantic attempt" to meet the deadline."

What are some alternatives to "a frantic attempt"?

Alternatives include "a desperate measure", "a hurried endeavor", or "a panicked effort", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Check our "desperate measure", "hurried endeavor" or "panicked effort" lexical entry for further details.

Is it redundant to say "a frantic attempt effort"?

Yes, "attempt" and "effort" are synonyms in this context. Using both is redundant. Stick to either "a frantic attempt" or "a frantic effort".

What is the difference between "a frantic attempt" and "a desperate attempt"?

While similar, "a frantic attempt" often implies a higher level of anxiety and disorganization compared to "a desperate attempt", which may be more calculated but still driven by a critical need. However, these phrases are often interchangeable.