an attempt to overturn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an attempt to overturn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing efforts to reverse or change a decision, law, or situation. Example: "The activists launched an attempt to overturn the recent legislation that they believed was unjust."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Tobacco company Philip Morris used ISDS in an attempt to overturn Australia's plain-packaging laws.

The Guardian - Business

'This is an attempt to overturn the basic constitutional doctrine of separation of powers.

The Guardian

In 2013, an attempt to overturn decriminalisation through a referendum secured the support of only 9% of voters.

The Guardian

But the police went to the supreme court in an attempt to overturn the court of appeal's ruling.

The Guardian

Last year, Dr. Farwell used the technology to support an attempt to overturn a 1978 murder conviction in Iowa.

The New York Times - Science

Theresa May submitted grounds for a challenge to the court of appeal in an attempt to overturn SIAC's decision.

The Guardian

These fears were crystallised when tobacco company Philip Morris used an international trade-dispute-resolution system, in an attempt to overturn Australia's plain-packaging laws for cigarettes.

The Guardian - Business

Miller said the challenge was not an attempt to overturn the referendum decision, telling BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "We are all leavers now".

The Guardian

In 1949, Harvard's Student Council passed a ban on discrimination based on "race, color or nationality," and the rule withstood an attempt to overturn it.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Spurs, who believe the tender process was unfair, will make their case at a high court hearing next month in an attempt to overturn an earlier ruling not to allow a judicial review of the decision.

The Guardian - Sport

But the saga isn't over; congress is amassing votes in an attempt to overturn this latest order using the Congressional Review Act.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an attempt to overturn", ensure the context clearly defines what is being challenged and the basis for the challenge. This adds clarity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "an attempt to overturn" when the effort is clearly futile or lacks substantial support. Overstating the potential for success can undermine credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an attempt to overturn" functions as a noun phrase that describes an action taken with the specific goal of reversing or nullifying something. As Ludwig AI explains, it is commonly used in various contexts to indicate efforts to change or reverse a decision, law, or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an attempt to overturn" is a versatile phrase used to describe efforts to reverse or invalidate a decision, law, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media contexts. It is crucial to maintain clarity regarding the specific target of the challenge and avoid overstating the likelihood of success. Related phrases include "an effort to reverse" and "a bid to overturn", offering similar meanings with slight variations. By understanding its function, purpose, and common errors, writers can effectively use "an attempt to overturn" to convey their intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an effort to reverse

Replaces "attempt" with "effort", maintaining a similar meaning while emphasizing exertion.

a bid to overturn

Substitutes "attempt" with "bid", offering a more concise and assertive alternative.

an action to repeal

Focuses on the action taken to repeal a law or decision, adding specificity.

a challenge to reverse

Highlights the challenge aspect of trying to reverse a decision or outcome.

an initiative to nullify

Emphasizes the proactive and formal nature of the attempt, using "initiative" and "nullify".

a campaign to invalidate

Implies a coordinated and strategic effort to invalidate something.

moves to subvert

Slightly more aggressive, suggesting an undermining of the established order.

measures to quash

Focuses on suppressing or rejecting something, usually a legal decision.

endeavors to override

Highlights the determined effort to supersede or set aside a ruling or action.

steps to abrogate

More formal and legalistic, referring to the cancellation or abolishment of a law or agreement.

FAQs

What does "an attempt to overturn" mean?

The phrase "an attempt to overturn" signifies an effort or action taken to reverse, invalidate, or nullify a decision, law, or established situation.

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

You can use alternatives like "an effort to reverse", "a bid to overturn", or "a challenge to reverse" depending on the context.

How is "an attempt to overturn" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase is often used to describe legal challenges, political opposition, or efforts to change existing rules or decisions. For example, "The lawsuit was an attempt to overturn the election results."

Is "an attempt to overturn" formal or informal?

The phrase "an attempt to overturn" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly found in news reports, legal documents, and everyday conversation.