attempt to answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempt to answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are trying to provide a response or solution to a question or problem, often indicating that the answer may not be definitive. Example: "In this essay, I will attempt to answer the question of whether technology improves our quality of life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Why doesn't Dr. Swiggett attempt to answer my questions?

The New Yorker

So that's my attempt to answer that question.

Cornell University

What questions might we dare ask and attempt to answer?

The Guardian

It's too bad "Evolution" doesn't attempt to answer it.

The New York Times

That's the question President Obama will attempt to answer tomorrow.

The Guardian - Business

This chapter could indeed be an attempt to answer this question.

Biodiversity and Evolution

Please post them below, and we will attempt to answer them in the next 24 hours.

The New York Times

There are now several studies going on which attempt to answer that question.

The New Yorker

It is a tough question the justices will attempt to answer in a few months.

The Economist

This study is an attempt to answer this question in a rapidly changing political environment.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

These are questions I must ask and attempt to answer.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "attempt to answer" when you want to convey that you are making an effort to provide a solution or response, but the outcome might not be definitive or fully satisfactory.

Common error

Avoid using "attempt to answer" when you are completely confident in your response. The phrase implies a degree of uncertainty or effort in finding the answer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempt to answer" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically serving as a verb complement or adverbial modifier. Ludwig AI shows it expressing an intention or effort to provide a response.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

32%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "attempt to answer" is a versatile and frequently used expression indicating an effort to respond to a question or solve a problem, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic and scientific writing. While generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives like "endeavor to answer" may be preferable in certain settings. Remember to use "attempt to answer" when you want to convey a degree of uncertainty or effort, and avoid it when you are completely confident in your response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try to answer

Replaces "attempt" with the more common "try", indicating a similar effort to provide a response.

endeavor to answer

Substitutes "attempt" with "endeavor", suggesting a more formal and earnest effort.

seek to answer

Replaces "attempt" with "seek", highlighting the act of trying to find an answer.

aim to answer

Uses "aim" instead of "attempt", emphasizing the intention to provide an answer.

make an effort to answer

Rephrases the phrase to emphasize the exertion of effort in answering.

undertake to answer

Employs "undertake" in place of "attempt", implying a commitment to answering.

strive to answer

Replaces "attempt" with "strive", suggesting a determined effort to answer.

propose an answer

Shifts the focus to suggesting or offering a potential answer.

offer a response

Focuses on providing a response, which may not fully answer the question.

address the question

Indicates an intention to deal with or discuss the question, rather than necessarily answering it directly.

FAQs

What does "attempt to answer" mean?

The phrase "attempt to answer" means to make an effort to provide a response to a question or solve a problem, often implying that the answer might not be complete or entirely satisfactory.

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

You can use "attempt to answer" to indicate that you are trying to address a question. For example, "In this essay, I will "attempt to answer" the question of whether technology improves our quality of life."

What can I say instead of "attempt to answer"?

You can use alternatives like "try to respond", "endeavor to answer", or "make an effort to answer" depending on the context.

Is "attempt to answer" formal or informal?

"Attempt to answer" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, alternatives like "endeavor to answer" might be more appropriate for highly formal situations.