attempt to ask

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempt to ask" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of trying to pose a question or seek information. Example: "I will attempt to ask the manager for clarification on the project requirements during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

But she thwarted his attempt to ask her out by leaving the meeting early.

The New York Times

So, I attempt to ask as casually as possible... just how did Sherlock fake his own demise, then?

Independent

But then "I horribly botched an attempt to ask her out for drinks because I got nervous.

The Guardian - Tech

Luaka Bop now had Mr. Onyeabor's signature, but not his participation; any attempt to ask him for information was met by awkward silences and abrupt hang-ups.

The New York Times - Arts

Womack immediately gaveled the voice vote down, forcing it through, and announced the results, ignoring any attempt to ask for a roll call vote.

The Guardian

Equally sparse as full consideration of the causes of the violence has been any serious attempt to ask how we should treat those who participated in it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Attempting to ask for extra pocket money, she is handed a bowl of "waxen fruit".

The New York Times - Books

"No one has attempted to ask kids, 'How do you feel about this?"' Dr. Maher said.

The New York Times

Fields attempted to ask Trump a question when Lewandowski forcibly grabbed her in front of Terris.

The Guardian

Madam Speaker has just sat down Liberal MP Mal Brough for attempting to ask her a procedural question.

The Guardian

The corporation also said there had been several attempts to ask the Rwandan government to respond to the allegations but in vain.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attempt to ask", ensure the context clarifies whether the attempt was successful or not. This adds clarity and precision to your writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "attempt to ask" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "try to ask" or "tried asking" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempt to ask" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used as part of a verb phrase to indicate the action of trying to pose a question. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples showcasing this function in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attempt to ask" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to describe the action of trying to pose a question. Ludwig AI confirms that it fits comfortably in various contexts, particularly news and media, science, and wiki articles. While it is generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider simpler alternatives like "try to ask" in informal conversations. Remember to clarify whether the ""attempt to ask"" was successful for improved clarity. By understanding its function, purpose, and suitable register, you can effectively incorporate "attempt to ask" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try to inquire

Replaces "attempt" with the more common "try" and "ask" with the more formal "inquire".

make an effort to ask

Substitutes "attempt" with the more descriptive "make an effort", emphasizing the exertion involved.

seek to question

Replaces "ask" with "question" and "attempt" with "seek", creating a slightly more formal tone.

endeavor to question

Uses "endeavor" for "attempt", which is a more formal and less common synonym, and "question" which is a synonym of "ask".

take steps to inquire

Emphasizes the proactive nature of seeking information, replacing "attempt" with "take steps".

undertake to solicit

More formal and emphasizes a planned effort to obtain information; "solicit" replaces "ask".

venture to pose

Suggests a degree of risk or uncertainty in asking; "pose" is used instead of "ask".

set out to interrogate

Implies a more intense or formal questioning process; "interrogate" replaces "ask".

aspire to quiz

Expresses a desire to ask questions, with a slightly lighter, less serious tone, using "quiz" instead of "ask".

purpose to query

States a deliberate intention to inquire, using the more formal "query" in place of "ask".

FAQs

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

You can use "attempt to ask" to describe the act of trying to pose a question. For example: "He made an "attempt to ask" the speaker a question during the Q&A session." or "She will "attempt to ask" her boss for a raise next week".

What are some alternatives to "attempt to ask"?

You can use alternatives like "try to inquire", "make an effort to ask", or "seek to question" depending on the context.

Is "attempting to ask" grammatically correct?

Yes, "attempting to ask" is grammatically correct. It is the progressive form of "attempt to ask", used to describe an ongoing action of trying to ask a question. For example: "She was "attempting to ask" a question when the speaker cut her off."

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

"Attempt to ask" is generally considered more formal than "try to ask". "Attempt" is a slightly more elevated word choice than "try".