attempt to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'attempt to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express an effort to do something. For example: I will attempt to finish the project by next week.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

People attempt to commit suicide.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cecilia didn't attempt to reply.

The New Yorker

They would attempt to reason.

The New Yorker

Children attempt to commit suicide.

The Guardian - Opinion

Others attempt to negotiate ceasefires.

The Economist

My attempt to find work was halfhearted.

The New York Times

Attempt to revive the Gaelic language.

The New Yorker

Do not attempt to outfox Fox".

The New York Times

One is an attempt to study dreaming.

The Economist

Do not attempt to adjust the picture.

The Economist

He made no attempt to give excuses".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "attempt to" when you want to describe an action someone is trying to do, regardless of whether they succeed.

Common error

While acceptable, "attempt to" can sometimes sound less sophisticated in formal contexts. Consider stronger verbs like "endeavor", "strive", or "undertake" for a more impactful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempt to" functions as an auxiliary construction indicating an effort or intention to perform an action. It is used to express that someone is trying or intending to do something, as demonstrated by Ludwig's numerous examples of its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

34%

News & Media

32%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attempt to" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that conveys an intention or effort to perform an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, from news and media to instructional wikis. While it's generally neutral in tone, slightly more formal alternatives like "endeavor to" may be preferable in certain professional settings. Remember, this phrase does not guarantee success but highlights the action of trying. Avoid overuse in formal writing for a more impactful tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try to

This is a simpler and more direct synonym, suitable for informal contexts.

make an effort to

This phrase explicitly states that effort is being expended.

endeavor to

This phrase provides a more formal alternative, emphasizing a determined effort.

aim to

This alternative highlights the intended outcome or objective of the effort.

seek to

This suggests a deliberate and focused effort toward a specific goal.

strive to

This indicates a sustained and vigorous effort, often against obstacles.

take steps to

This suggests a series of actions taken to achieve a specific outcome.

venture to

This suggests a willingness to take a risk or face uncertainty in pursuing something.

undertake to

This signifies a formal commitment or responsibility to do something.

aspire to

This emphasizes a strong desire or ambition to achieve something.

FAQs

How to use "attempt to" in a sentence?

The phrase "attempt to" is followed by a verb in its base form. For example, "I will "try to" complete the project on time", or "They "endeavor to" resolve the issue quickly".

What can I say instead of "attempt to"?

You can use alternatives like ""try to"", ""endeavor to"", "aim to", or "seek to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "attempt at" instead of "attempt to"?

While "attempt to" is followed by a verb, "attempt at" is followed by a noun. For example, "attempt to solve" versus "attempt at a solution". They have different grammatical structures and usages.

Which is more formal, "attempt to" or "try to"?

"Attempt to" is generally considered more formal than ""try to"". "Endeavor to" is even more formal than "attempt to".