an attempt to kidnap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an attempt to kidnap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing criminal activities or legal matters involving the act of trying to abduct someone. Example: "The police reported an attempt to kidnap a child from the park last weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

He now lives in Switzerland, after an attempt to kidnap his children was foiled in 1999.

The New York Times

The assault involved multiple gunmen, Pakistani intelligence agents and military officers, and an attempt to kidnap or draw away the senior American and Afghan officials.

The New York Times

His kidnapping was one of a series singling out foreign officials that included the taking of an Iranian diplomat and an attempt to kidnap the American consul, Lynne Tracey, who escaped thanks to the quick reactions of her driver.

The New York Times

In 2010 a security guard claimed he had been offered 50,000 kronor to turn a blind eye to an attempt to kidnap the entire statue using a helicopter.

Independent

Turkish forces have detained 11 commandos who were on the run after their alleged involvement in an attempt to kidnap the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, during last month's attempted coup.

The Guardian

"When I was Prime Minister, there was an attempt to kidnap my son, Bilawal — to kidnap him, can you believe it, from the Prime Minister's house!" She paused and looked down into the valley, beyond the lawn, then turned back toward me.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Detectives have said it is increasingly likely two men involved in an alleged attempt to kidnap an RAF serviceman last week were part of a larger team.

The Guardian

Detectives investigating an alleged attempt to kidnap an RAF serviceman believe one of the suspects may have a visible facial injury after revealing the victim headbutted and punched him to the ground.

The Guardian

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the clashes erupted after a failed attempt to kidnap a German doctor working in the area.

BBC

But some trials that resulted from Mahmood's investigations collapsed, including one involving an alleged attempt to kidnap Victoria Beckham.

The Guardian

The 16-year-old was killed in the bedroom of her home in Bristol by Nathan Matthews, 28, and Shauna Hoare, 21, after a failed attempt to kidnap her for a sexual motive, jurors were told.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your phrasing to maintain reader engagement. While "an attempt to kidnap" is accurate, consider using alternatives like "failed kidnapping attempt" or "thwarted kidnapping" to diversify your writing.

Common error

Avoid using the term "kidnapping" when only an attempt was made. "Kidnapping" implies the act was completed, whereas "an attempt to kidnap" accurately reflects an unfulfilled action. Accuracy is crucial in legal and journalistic contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an attempt to kidnap" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an action that was initiated but not completed. Ludwig AI validates the phrase's accurate use.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an attempt to kidnap" correctly describes a situation where someone tried, but failed, to abduct another person. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical accuracy and appropriateness for use in written English. While various sources like "News & Media", "Wiki", and "Formal & Business" contexts employ this phrase, alternatives such as "failed kidnapping attempt" or "abduction plot" can add variety to your writing. Remember to avoid using "kidnapping" if the act was only attempted. This guide helps writers use the phrase accurately and effectively, with best practices and common errors identified. Ultimately, using "an attempt to kidnap" precisely reflects incomplete actions in factual and legal reporting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foiled abduction attempt

Indicates that the kidnapping was stopped before completion, highlighting the intervention that prevented it.

averted abduction

Suggests the kidnapping was successfully warded off, emphasizing the avoidance of the event.

thwarted kidnapping

Highlights the prevention of the kidnapping, shifting the emphasis from the attempt itself to its frustration.

failed kidnapping attempt

Emphasizes the lack of success in the kidnapping, differing in focus from the planning stage.

unsuccessful abduction bid

Similar to a failed attempt, but uses "bid" to convey the sense of an endeavor or effort that didn't succeed.

prevented kidnapping

Focuses on the act of stopping the kidnapping, emphasizing the successful intervention.

abduction plot

Focuses on the scheme or plan behind the kidnapping, omitting the aspect of execution or attempt.

interrupted kidnap plot

Highlights the disruption of the plan, focusing on external factors causing the plan's incompletion.

botched kidnapping plan

Implies the plan was poorly executed or contained errors, leading to its failure.

abortive kidnap scheme

Stresses the premature termination of the scheme, highlighting its lack of development or progression.

FAQs

How to use "an attempt to kidnap" in a sentence?

You can use "an attempt to kidnap" to describe an event where someone tried, but failed, to abduct another person. For example, "The police are investigating an attempt to kidnap the CEO's daughter".

What can I say instead of "an attempt to kidnap"?

You can use alternatives like "failed kidnapping attempt", "thwarted kidnapping", or "abduction plot" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "an attempt to kidnap" or "kidnapping attempt"?

"An attempt to kidnap" and "kidnapping attempt" are both correct, but have slightly different emphasis. "An attempt to kidnap" focuses on the action of trying to kidnap someone, while "kidnapping attempt" emphasizes the event of a kidnapping being attempted.

What's the difference between "an attempt to kidnap" and "kidnapping"?

"An attempt to kidnap" refers to an action where someone tried to abduct another person but did not succeed. "Kidnapping" implies that the abduction was successfully carried out.