attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an effort or endeavor to achieve something. Example: "She made an attempt to solve the complex math problem but found it challenging."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Officials from Greece have been locked in talks with creditors over the weekend in an attempt to agree a package of economic reforms.

The Guardian - Business

In 1999 the compliant parliament voted for Niyazov to become president for life, and in 2002, he used an alleged assassination attempt to legitimise a far-reaching crackdown on political opponents.

The Guardian

In an attempt to shore up his political base, Chafee formally changed parties to become a Democrat in 2013.

The Guardian

The opposition leader said the attempt to "micromanage" schools was an example of the government's "wrong priorities" – contradicting assertions by the environment minister, Greg Hunt, that the scheme had bipartisan support.

The Guardian

Human rights organisations have raised fears that more migrants and refugees will die in their attempt to reach Europe from the north African coast.

The Guardian

Despite the president's deliberate attempt to talk down the markets and the media's dramatic warnings of economic Armageddon posed by a mere 17% of the government remaining temporarily idle, the S&P 500 closed at a record high the day after the shutdown ended.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's only the first couple of weeks of 2015, but the year may as well be over: with the 2016 presidential and congressional elections looming, Republicans are pushing full steam ahead on economy and jobs in an attempt to improve their chances at capturing the White House next year.

The Guardian - Money

Protests, petitions, two call-ins of the plans by supportive councillors to the Overview and Scrutiny committee, a new (yet still flawed) consultation process in recognition of the initial inadequate attempt, and much publicity.

The Guardian - Books

The path to the university, whose president is Donna Shalala, the long-serving health secretary during both terms of Bill Clinton's administration, is well trodden by White House hopefuls: Mitt Romney was here three weeks ago for a Spanish-language interview in an attempt to woo the Hispanic vote.

The Guardian

Related: Spy agencies fund climate research in hunt for weather weapon, scientist fears Like so many military experiments, these trials failed but cloud seeding became a reality in 1967/8 when the US's Operation Popeye increased rainfall by an estimated 30% over parts of Vietnam in an attempt to reduce the movement of soldiers and resources into South Vietnam.

The Guardian

In the early 2000s, pharmaceutical companies were high on activists' hit lists, prompted by Big Pharma's ill-advised attempt to sue the South African government for patent infringement on HIV drugs; an attempt to deal with the country's epidemic by allowing cheaper, generic copies to be sold.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attempt", consider the level of formality required by the context. While it is generally acceptable, "try" may be more appropriate for informal situations, and "endeavor" or "undertaking" for formal ones.

Common error

Avoid using "attempt" repeatedly in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "try" to maintain a natural and relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "attempt" is as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to the act of trying; as a verb, it means to try or make an effort. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "attempt" functions both as a noun and a verb, denoting the act of trying to achieve something. As Ludwig AI verifies, it is grammatically sound and extensively used, particularly in news and media. While "attempt" maintains a neutral register, its formality can be adjusted by choosing synonyms like the informal "try" or the more formal "endeavor". By understanding its grammatical flexibility and communicative purpose, you can use "attempt" effectively in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try

This is a more common and versatile synonym for "attempt", often used in less formal contexts.

effort

This term emphasizes the exertion of energy and resources towards a goal.

endeavor

This word implies a more serious and sustained effort than "attempt".

undertaking

This refers to a formal or significant project or task.

venture

This suggests an undertaking with an uncertain outcome, often involving risk.

exercise

Implies the use of a skill or right or quality.

crack

Denotes a tentative approach to a complex problem or task.

go

This is an informal term indicating an initial try.

assault

It refers to military attack, but also an attempt.

stab

It refers to physical action but also to giving it a shot.

FAQs

How to use "attempt" in a sentence?

"Attempt" can be used as both a noun and a verb. For example, "She made an attempt to climb the mountain" (noun) or "He attempted to fix the car" (verb).

What can I say instead of "attempt"?

You can use alternatives like "try", "endeavor", "effort", or "venture" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "attempt to do" or "attempt at doing"?

"Attempt to do" is generally preferred and more common. "Attempt at doing" is also correct but less frequently used.

What's the difference between "attempt" and "try"?

"Attempt" often implies a more formal or significant effort than "try", although they are often interchangeable.