attempt to adjust

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempt to adjust" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an effort to make changes or modifications to something. Example: "We will attempt to adjust the settings to improve the performance of the device."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Methods which attempt to adjust the estimated treatment effect, either through adjustment to the hazard ratio or via accelerated failure time models, were also considered.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Do not attempt to adjust the picture.

The Economist

The accompanying charts attempt to adjust for those changes.

The New York Times

This is an attempt to adjust top-down messages to an interactive age.

The Guardian

Mr. Romney's initial attempt to adjust his message was to question the statistic.

The New York Times

Participants of different sizes within the industry attempt to adjust their risk exposure along the drug development pipeline.

Columbia University

"I don't see anything catastrophic in this, but it is unpleasant and I certainly see this as an attempt to adjust editorial policy".

The New York Times

In the larger centres, Aboriginal communities from widely differing backgrounds face innumerable hazards as they attempt to adjust to volatile urban politics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Specifically, they expected a counterpart to negotiate as she would at home, not understanding that the counterpart would attempt to adjust her strategy to the foreign context as well.

Harvard University

The S.E.C.'s approach is an attempt to adjust for that reality, he said, although his prepared testimony did not report how many ineligible claims would become eligible if early cash contributions were adjusted for inflation.

The New York Times

All the delays at this time are the result of cancellations and schedule changes by the airlines as they attempt to adjust to this national disruption of the air traffic system".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attempt to adjust", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being modified and the intended outcome of the adjustment.

Common error

Avoid using "attempt to adjust" with overly general nouns that lack specificity. For instance, instead of saying "They attempted to adjust things", be specific: "They attempted to adjust the budget" or "They attempted to adjust the thermostat."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempt to adjust" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action taken with the intention of modifying or changing something. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows various examples where the phrase is used to describe efforts to modify processes, strategies, or physical objects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attempt to adjust" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the action of trying to modify something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various fields. It appears most frequently in scientific, news and academic contexts. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "try to modify" or "make an effort to change". Ensure clarity by specifying what is being adjusted and the desired outcome, and avoid vague nouns. Mastering these nuances will enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try to modify

Replaces "attempt" with "try" and "adjust" with "modify", offering a slightly less formal tone.

make an effort to change

Substitutes "attempt" with "make an effort" and "adjust" with "change", creating a more descriptive and less direct expression.

seek to revise

Uses "seek" instead of "attempt" and "revise" instead of "adjust", implying a more formal and considered approach to modification.

aim to correct

Replaces "attempt" with "aim" and "adjust" with "correct", suggesting a focus on fixing errors or inaccuracies.

undertake to regulate

Uses "undertake" instead of "attempt" and "regulate" instead of "adjust", implying a more formal and systematic effort to control something.

endeavor to fine-tune

Substitutes "attempt" with "endeavor" and "adjust" with "fine-tune", conveying a more meticulous and precise approach.

strive to calibrate

Replaces "attempt" with "strive" and "adjust" with "calibrate", suggesting an effort to bring something into a precise or accurate state.

move to adapt

Focuses on the action of adapting, replacing "attempt" with "move", and keeping "adapt" as a synonym for "adjust".

take steps to alter

Emphasizes the series of actions taken, replacing "attempt" with "take steps" and "adjust" with "alter".

work to realign

Highlights the effort involved, replacing "attempt" with "work" and "adjust" with "realign", suggesting a focus on restoring balance or proper positioning.

FAQs

How can I use "attempt to adjust" in a sentence?

You can use "attempt to adjust" to describe an effort to modify something. For example, "The engineers will attempt to adjust the settings to improve performance".

What are some alternatives to "attempt to adjust"?

You can use alternatives like "try to modify", "make an effort to change", or "seek to revise" depending on the context.

Is "attempt to adjust" formal or informal?

"Attempt to adjust" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal synonyms like "endeavor to fine-tune" might be more suitable for academic or professional writing.

What is the difference between "attempt to adjust" and "try to adjust"?

While similar, "attempt to adjust" can imply a more deliberate and planned effort compared to "try to adjust". The latter might suggest a more experimental or less structured approach.