attempt to avert

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempt to avert" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing efforts to prevent or avoid a particular situation or outcome. Example: "The government made an attempt to avert a financial crisis by implementing new economic policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In an attempt to avert the ruin of his niece, Flaubert sacrificed his inheritance.

The New Yorker

As a result, the Fed's attempt to avert a recession has almost certainly failed.

The New York Times

The last attempt to avert it, a manifesto issued by Charles on October 16, brought no positive results.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Tomorrow the Federal Reserve is all but certain to cut interest rates in an attempt to avert a recession.

The New York Times

So here comes the firm's late-in-the-day attempt to avert a quarrel at its annual meeting next week.

The Guardian - Business

But for all its charm, the show invariably loses some momentum in the attempt to avert Peach-mageddon.

The Guardian

Then the added medication might be worthwhile, Dr. Diller said, in an attempt to avert the move.

The New York Times

Morgan successfully led the American financial community's attempt to avert a general financial collapse following the stock market panic of 1907.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One-and-a-half seconds before impact, the pilots advanced the throttles to get more power in an attempt to avert a crash.

The New York Times

The Securities and Exchange Commission proposed more stringent rules for money market funds on Wednesday in an attempt to avert runs like the one that erupted last fall.

The New York Times

Arnie materialises, nude and smouldering - in the middle of a reboot that will have John Connor Jason Clarkee) hopping timelines in an attempt to avert Judgement Day.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attempt to avert", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what specific negative outcome is being avoided. For example: "The city council launched a new program in an "attempt to avert" a housing crisis."

Common error

Avoid using "attempt to avert" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations where the potential negative outcome is significant. For example, avoid saying "He made an attempt to avert being late for a meeting" when simply "He tried not to be late" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempt to avert" functions as an infinitive of purpose, explaining the reason behind an action. It indicates the intent to prevent or avoid a specific, often negative, outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "attempt to avert" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe efforts to prevent something negative from happening. As Ludwig AI points out, it's appropriate for diverse scenarios, primarily appearing in news, encyclopedias, and other formal contexts. While alternatives like "try to prevent" or "seek to avoid" exist, "attempt to avert" carries a nuance of seriousness and proactive intention. When employing the phrase, clarify what exactly is being averted, reserving it for significant situations rather than trivial matters. Proper usage ensures clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try to prevent

Replaces "attempt" with a more common synonym, simplifying the wording.

seek to avoid

Emphasizes the intention to stay clear of something, offering a slightly different nuance.

take steps to prevent

Emphasizes the concrete actions being taken.

aim to forestall

Highlights the proactive nature of acting in advance to hinder something.

act to preclude

Focuses on the action taken to make something impossible.

endeavor to preclude

More formal and emphasizes taking action to make something impossible.

strive to preclude

Focuses on the effort and determination involved in preventing something.

work to deter

Highlights the effort to discourage or restrain something from happening.

move to preempt

Suggests taking action before something can occur, often in a strategic sense.

undertake to forestall

Suggests a formal and deliberate effort to prevent something.

FAQs

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

You can use "attempt to avert" to describe actions taken to prevent a negative outcome, such as "The company launched a new marketing campaign in an "attempt to avert" a decline in sales."

What are some alternatives to "attempt to avert"?

Alternatives include "try to prevent", "seek to avoid", or "aim to forestall", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "attempt to avert" or "attempt to prevent"?

"Attempt to avert" and "attempt to prevent" are often interchangeable, but "avert" can imply a more serious or imminent threat. Choose the word that best fits the specific context and desired emphasis.

What's the nuance when using "attempt to avert" versus a simple "try to avoid"?

"Attempt to avert" generally suggests a more formal or significant effort to prevent something serious, while "try to avoid" is more casual and can be used for everyday situations.