as attempting to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as attempting to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or effort that is being made towards a specific goal or outcome. Example: "The team is viewed as attempting to improve their performance through rigorous training and feedback."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Calling the fire department counts as attempting to put out the blaze, right?" an official at headquarters said wanly.

The New York Times

So the fact that he was in the kitchen, doing something as ordinary as attempting to prepare dinner, was better than good — it was pretty excellent.

The New York Times

Always use wire cutters for cutting wire, as attempting to use scissors will likely only end in injury.

WikiHow

Despite exercising, as well as attempting to diet, she weighs 212lb.

The Economist

They even went as far as attempting to assassinate me and shooting at my car".

The New Yorker

"I see all the denominations as attempting to provide a response to the same question.

The Economist

It was, Winchester notes, "as audacious as attempting to travel into outer space: full of risk, and with uncertain rewards".

The New York Times - Books

As well as attempting to engineer her own triumph, Dorothy is also masterminding the downfall of everyone else.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Pressure from below, combined with the president's provocative behaviour (such as attempting to seize control of the Caracas police force), pushed it to strike at a bad time.

The Economist

Tells about his early mistakes, such as attempting to legitimize gays in the military and his gaffes with regard to selecting an Attorney General.

The New Yorker

Mr Napier described the sculpture as attempting to "portray a soldier physically and mentally broken…whilst revealing his inner strength and dignity".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider synonyms like "trying to" or "seeking to" if the formality of "as attempting to" is not required.

Common error

Avoid using "as attempting to" in casual or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "trying to" would be more appropriate. Overusing formal phrasing can make your writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as attempting to" functions as a purpose connector, linking an action with its intended goal. This construction, as Ludwig highlights, conveys a sense of intentionality and effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as attempting to" serves as a purpose connector, linking an action to its intended outcome. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal writing, where clarity and precision are valued. For more casual settings, simpler alternatives like "trying to" may be more appropriate. Keep in mind this advice to prevent overuse in informal contexts and to ensure your writing style remains consistent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trying to

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the same idea.

while trying to

Focuses on the concurrent nature of the attempt.

while endeavoring to

Emphasizes the effort and determination involved.

in an effort to

Highlights the purpose and intention behind the action.

with the aim of

Specifically points out the goal or objective.

seeking to

Focuses on the act of searching or pursuing a specific outcome.

in pursuit of

Highlights the chase of something.

as striving to

Emphasizes continuous effort and exertion.

working towards

Indicates ongoing progress and effort toward a goal.

in the process of

Highlights that is something in continuous progress.

FAQs

How can I use "as attempting to" in a sentence?

Use "as attempting to" to describe an action performed with a specific goal or purpose. For example, "The researcher is viewed as attempting to find a cure for the disease".

What can I say instead of "as attempting to"?

You can use alternatives like "trying to", "seeking to", or "in an effort to" depending on the context.

Is "as attempting to" formal or informal?

While grammatically correct, "as attempting to" leans towards a more formal register. In casual contexts, simpler alternatives like "trying to" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "as attempting to" and "intending to"?

"As attempting to" describes an action that is currently being undertaken, while "intending to" refers to a future plan or intention. If the action is already underway, "as attempting to" is more appropriate.