attempt the exam

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempt the exam" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the action of trying to take or complete an examination. Example: "I plan to attempt the exam next week to assess my knowledge on the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's advisable to sleep early in order to wake up fresh and attempt the exam with renewed zeal and enthusiasm.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Limiting comparisons to those who have attempted the exam, we obtain no significant differences between alumni from the programs in terms of passing the exam and the number of attempts required to pass.

Journal of Accounting Education

Be sure to arrive on time and, unless it's the direst of circumstances, do not reschedule or attempt to postpone the exam.

WikiHow

The drop comes amid continuing attempts by the exams regulator Ofqual to tackle grade inflation.

The Guardian

Experts have predicted that the pass rate will stall this year, amid fresh attempts by the exams regulator to tackle grade inflation.

The Guardian

Last year, medical graduates from 94 countries attempted the written exam.

The Guardian

We find no significant difference between alumni from our traditional and accelerated programs in terms of attempting the CPA exam.

Journal of Accounting Education

Since Ph.D. students at CUNY are allowed to attempt the first qualifying exam twice, she studied for and took the general physics exam 6 months later and passed.

Science Magazine

These students significantly outperformed their peers who never participated in the process and those who made attempts but never passed the exam (passed VF: 66%; made attempt: 58 63%; no attempt: 57% score).

CBE Life Sciences Education

(A_distance_T2)....the participants will attempt cheating to pass the exam with the easiest way.

International Journal for Educational Integrity

The concerns felt by teachers in this context are illustrated by this comment from one of the interviewees:...the participants will attempt cheating to pass the exam with the easiest way.

International Journal for Educational Integrity

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about exams, ensure clarity by specifying which exam you're referring to, especially in contexts where multiple exams are possible. For example, instead of just saying "attempt the exam", specify "attempt the final exam" or "attempt the CPA exam".

Common error

Do not use "attempt the exam" without providing context or specifying which exam you are talking about, as it may lead to confusion. Provide enough detail so the reader knows exactly which exam you mean.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempt the exam" functions as a verb phrase, where "attempt" acts as the main verb and "the exam" serves as the direct object. It indicates the act of trying to complete an examination, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attempt the exam" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express the act of trying to complete an examination. While slightly less common than simply "take the exam", it is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Ludwig suggests the phrase appears frequently across various sources including Wiki, News & Media and Science. When using the phrase, ensure that the specific exam is clearly identified to avoid any confusion. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a valid way to describe the action of trying to pass a test or exam.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take the exam

A more common and direct way of saying you will participate in the exam.

sit for the exam

This alternative emphasizes the formal setting of taking the examination.

try the exam

Indicates less confidence in succeeding but a willingness to give it a shot.

undertake the exam

A more formal and less frequently used way to say you will attempt the exam.

tackle the exam

Implies a proactive approach to addressing the challenges presented by the exam.

go for the exam

Suggests enthusiasm and determination in attempting the exam.

have a go at the exam

An informal expression suggesting a casual attempt at the exam.

make an attempt on the exam

A more descriptive way to say you will try to complete the exam.

venture into the exam

Suggests entering the exam with some level of risk or uncertainty.

enter for the exam

Focuses on the act of registering or signing up for the exam rather than taking it.

FAQs

What does it mean to "attempt the exam"?

To "attempt the exam" means to try to take or complete the examination. It implies an effort to answer the questions and fulfill the requirements of the exam, whether or not you ultimately succeed. You can also say "take the exam" or "sit for the exam".

Is it better to say "attempt the exam" or "take the exam"?

Both "attempt the exam" and "take the exam" are grammatically correct and understandable. However, "take the exam" is more common and direct. "Attempt the exam" might be used when emphasizing the effort involved, especially if the outcome is uncertain.

Can I use "attempt the exam" in formal writing?

Yes, "attempt the exam" is suitable for formal writing, but ensure the context is clear. For a more concise option, consider "take the exam". In some cases, "undertake the exam" could also be appropriate, although it's less common.

What's the difference between "attempting an exam" and "preparing for an exam"?

"Attempting an exam" refers to the act of actually taking the exam and trying to answer the questions. "Preparing for an exam", on the other hand, means studying and getting ready to "take the exam". One is the action of taking the exam, and the other is the process before it.