a next attempt to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a next attempt to" is not correct in standard written English.
It is generally not used because "next" implies a sequence that does not require the article "a." Example: "This is the next attempt to improve our process."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In a next attempt to genetically modify hMSC to produce the NT3 neurothrophic factor, we used a DNA plasmid encoding both the NT3 and EGFP protein.

BMC Biotechnology

In a next attempt to identify the causal mutation, one of the affected calves (id = 58953) and one of the unaffected homozygous animals (id = 58952) were re-sequenced together with 41 animals of the FV population [ 14].

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He showed me a scale model of his next attempt to send a probe to Mars - Beagle-3.

BBC

Their next attempt to strike a deal will start next year.

The Economist

Price then got enough of Erik Cole's shot off a deke on the Hurricanes' next attempt to leave the puck on the goal line.

The New York Times

Demonstrating such a structural differential bias, we next attempt to combine the local structural information with the binding strength to the MHC-II molecule in a model with improved accuracy of prediction for MHC class II ligands.

Plosone

Diplomats said the next attempt to reach a deal was scheduled for Wednesday — a day before the leaders of the European Union's 27 member states gather for a summit Brussels, their last scheduled meeting before the summer.

The New York Times

"This is just his next attempt to put a fiscal straitjacket on the investments we need to build a better California," said Mike Roth, a spokesman for the union-backed No on 1A coalition.

The New York Times

Spillers has not said who he will submit in his next attempt to confirm a chief of staff.

Huffington Post

His next attempt to release Jesus was another beauty.

The Guardian - Sport

Since each targeting vector generated an active PAM protein, we next attempted to generate CHO cell lines stably expressing a targeted PAM protein along with substrate by introducing the targeted PAM protein into CHO cells stably expressing Fc-GLP1-Gly.

BMC Biotechnology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the next attempt to" instead of "a next attempt to" for grammatical correctness. The definite article "the" specifies a particular attempt in a sequence, which aligns with standard English usage.

Common error

Avoid using the indefinite article "a" before "next". The word "next" implies a specific item in a sequence, making the definite article "the" more appropriate. For example, prefer "the next step" over "a next step".

Linguistic Context

The phrase, while grammatically questionable, functions as a modifier describing an action or effort undertaken after a previous one. As Ludwig AI points out, it's often considered incorrect due to the improper use of the article "a" before "next".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "a next attempt to" might appear in various sources, Ludwig AI indicates that it is generally grammatically incorrect in standard English. The indefinite article "a" clashes with the specificity implied by "next". For clearer and more accurate communication, it's better to use phrases like ""the next attempt to"", ""the following attempt to"", or ""another attempt to"". These alternatives maintain grammatical integrity while conveying the intended meaning. This makes the phrase uncommon, leaning towards incorrect. Pay attention to article usage and strive for precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the next attempt to

Replaces "a" with "the" to specify a particular attempt in a sequence.

the following attempt to

Uses "following" to indicate the attempt that comes after the current one, enhancing clarity.

the subsequent attempt to

Employs "subsequent" to denote an attempt that follows in time or order, providing a more formal tone.

another attempt to

Indicates an additional try, without necessarily implying a specific sequence.

a further attempt to

Suggests an additional effort, emphasizing continuation.

the second attempt to

Specifies this attempt is the second one.

in a new attempt to

Introduces the attempt as a fresh endeavor.

as the next attempt to

Uses "as" to introduce the attempt as a specific phase.

on the next attempt to

Emphasizes the transition to the subsequent attempt.

the succeeding attempt to

Uses a more formal term to indicate the attempt that follows.

FAQs

Why is "a next attempt to" considered grammatically incorrect?

The phrase "a next attempt to" is generally considered incorrect because "next" implies a specific, sequential item. Using the indefinite article "a" suggests non-specificity, which conflicts with the meaning of "next". The correct phrasing is often "the next attempt to".

What are some alternatives to using "a next attempt to"?

Instead of "a next attempt to", you can use alternatives such as "the following attempt to", "the subsequent attempt to", or "another attempt to", depending on the specific context and meaning you intend to convey.

Is it ever correct to use an article before "next"?

Yes, it is correct to use the definite article "the" before "next" when referring to a specific item in a sequence. For example, "This is "the next attempt to" fix the problem." However, using the indefinite article "a" is generally incorrect in this context.

What is the difference between "a next attempt to" and "another attempt to"?

"A next attempt to" is generally grammatically incorrect. "Another attempt to" is a valid alternative that simply means an additional try, without necessarily implying a specific sequence. If you need to denote a specific attempt within a series, use "the next attempt to".