an attempt to identify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an attempt to identify" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to describe an action taken to figure out something. For example: After multiple failed attempts, the detective made an attempt to identify the suspect by getting a detailed description from witnesses.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An acoustic emission (AE) technique was tried in an attempt to identify grinding burn on-line.

International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture

Warrants must be sought to access their data in an attempt to identify their sources.

The Guardian - Tech

More people came to the mosque in an attempt to identify the other bodies.

The Guardian

Relatives today filed through the hospitals and clinics in an attempt to identify the unnamed victims.

The Guardian - Sport

Therefore, this article makes an attempt to identify conditions for effective TOD and map them systematically.

Journal of Transport Geography

In addition, stratified analyses were performed in an attempt to identify any race-specific effects.

European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology

In London, Scotland Yard said it would study the video in an attempt to identify those involved.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's being investigated in an attempt to identify who that person might have been and whether it's relevant," he said.

The New York Times

There were leaflet drops, phone messaging and billboard adverts in Croxteth in an attempt to identify the cyclist.

The Guardian

This article is not an attempt to identify the stocks that will do the best in the next 10 years.

The New York Times

What is a "gotcha" question, after all, but an attempt to identify disqualifiers, and get the numbers down?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an attempt to identify", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being identified and the purpose of the identification effort. For example, instead of saying "an attempt to identify was made", specify "an attempt to identify the source of the contamination was made".

Common error

Avoid using the passive voice unnecessarily. For instance, instead of "An attempt to identify the cause was undertaken", opt for the active voice: "Researchers attempted to identify the cause". This makes the sentence more direct and easier to understand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an attempt to identify" functions as a purpose phrase, indicating the reason or objective behind an action. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, often introducing a clause that explains the goal of trying to discover or ascertain something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

30%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an attempt to identify" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that signifies the purpose behind an action focused on discovering or recognizing something. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It finds frequent application in scientific, news-related, and academic contexts. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the object of identification and the purpose behind it are clearly articulated. While versatile, prioritize active voice for more direct and impactful writing. Alternatives such as "seeking to identify" or "endeavoring to identify" offer stylistic variation. In essence, "an attempt to identify" serves as a reliable linguistic tool for conveying intent and purpose in a multitude of communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeking to identify

Replaces "attempt" with "seeking", emphasizing the proactive nature of the identification process.

in an effort to identify

Substitutes "attempt" with "effort", maintaining a similar meaning but with a slightly different emphasis.

in a bid to identify

Replaces "attempt" with "bid", suggesting a concerted effort or try to identify something.

endeavoring to identify

Substitutes "attempt" with "endeavoring", suggesting a more determined and effortful approach.

with the aim of identifying

Replaces "an attempt" with "with the aim", clearly stating the intention behind the identification process.

trying to pinpoint

Uses "pinpoint" instead of "identify", focusing on finding something with precision.

working to determine

Replaces "attempt to identify" with "working to determine", highlighting the active effort in establishing something.

aiming to discover

Uses "discover" instead of "identify", suggesting the intent to find something new or previously unknown.

seeking to uncover

Replaces "identify" with "uncover", emphasizing the revealing of something hidden.

in a search for

Replaces the entire phrase with "in a search for", shifting the focus to the act of searching.

FAQs

How can I use "an attempt to identify" in a sentence?

You can use "an attempt to identify" to describe an action taken to discover or determine something. For example, "The scientists made "an attempt to identify" the new species of plant."

What are some alternatives to "an attempt to identify"?

Some alternatives include "seeking to identify", "endeavoring to identify", or "trying to pinpoint" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use the active or passive voice with "an attempt to identify"?

While both active and passive voice are grammatically correct, using the active voice often results in a clearer and more concise sentence. For example, "The team attempted to identify the problem" (active) is often preferable to "An attempt to identify the problem was made by the team" (passive).

What is the difference between "an attempt to identify" and "an effort to identify"?

The phrases ""an attempt to identify"" and "an effort to identify" are largely synonymous. The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference, though "effort" might imply a more sustained or significant undertaking.