attempt to clean

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempt to clean" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an effort or endeavor to clean something, whether it be a physical space or an abstract concept. Example: "After the party, I made an attempt to clean the living room before my guests left."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Attempt to clean off any malicious software.

Cornell University

This is not the first attempt to clean up images of death and violence.

The New York Times

Nothing was said to them, but now they have to attempt to clean it up.

The New York Times

Others saw the shift as an attempt to clean the government's slate.

The Economist

Moreover, one-third of subjects did not attempt to clean surfaces during food preparation.

The New York Times - Health

California regulators see this as an attempt to clean the state's air.

The New York Times

Perhaps the Maserati snippet was Hywood's attempt to clean up his image.

The Guardian

These days, American support for Japan's latest attempt to clean up its banks raises more than a few hackles.

The Economist

What they found was a depiction of gay life written without any attempt to clean it up for straight viewers.

Independent

Prosecutors in Milan had been throwing industrialists and financiers into jail in an attempt to clean up their country's politics.

The Guardian - Books

The company makes no attempt to clean up the warped pages and water stains that have accumulated over centuries.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a cleaning process, specify the method used (e.g., "attempt to clean with soap and water") for clarity.

Common error

In formal contexts, consider using more precise verbs like "sanitize", "disinfect", or "purify" instead of the general phrase "attempt to clean" to convey a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempt to clean" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing the purpose or intention behind an action. It describes the effort made to achieve a state of cleanliness. Ludwig examples show its versatility across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

20%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "attempt to clean" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe the act of trying to remove dirt or impurities. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and suggests it is applicable across numerous contexts, primarily in News & Media, Wiki, and Science. While considered neutral in register, its use can be adapted based on the desired level of formality, with alternatives like "try to tidy" being more casual and "endeavor to sanitize" being more formal. When using the expression, specify the cleaning method, when possible, and, when appropriate, choose a more precise verb for formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try to tidy

Replaces "attempt" with the more casual "try" and "clean" with "tidy", suggesting a less thorough cleaning.

make an effort to wash

Uses the more descriptive "make an effort" instead of "attempt" and "wash" instead of "clean", focusing on washing as a cleaning method.

endeavor to sanitize

Substitutes "attempt" with "endeavor", which is more formal, and "clean" with "sanitize", implying a focus on hygiene.

strive to scrub

Substitutes "attempt" with "strive", indicating a more determined effort, and "clean" with "scrub", implying a vigorous cleaning action.

seek to purify

Replaces "clean" with "purify", suggesting a deeper level of cleaning, often in a metaphorical sense.

undertake to cleanse

Replaces "attempt" with "undertake", suggesting a formal or serious commitment, and "clean" with "cleanse", implying a thorough cleaning.

aim to decontaminate

Replaces "clean" with "decontaminate", indicating a specific type of cleaning to remove hazardous substances.

take measures to disinfect

This phrase specifies the action taken (measures) and the type of cleaning (disinfect), focusing on eliminating germs.

try to clear

Replaces "clean" with "clear", suggesting removal of clutter rather than general cleaning.

have a go at wiping

Uses informal language; "have a go" instead of attempt, and wipe to replace clean to imply quick cleaning.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "attempt to clean" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "try to tidy", "endeavor to sanitize", or "make an effort to wash" depending on the context.

What does "attempt to clean" imply?

The phrase "attempt to clean" suggests an effort is being made to remove dirt, mess, or impurities. It doesn't guarantee success, but rather highlights the action of trying to achieve cleanliness.

Is it better to say "try to clean" or "attempt to clean"?

While both are correct, "attempt to clean" is slightly more formal than "try to clean". The best choice depends on the context and desired tone. In most everyday situations, "try to clean" is perfectly acceptable.

In what situations is "attempt to clean" most appropriate?

The phrase "attempt to clean" is suitable in a variety of situations where you want to describe the action of trying to make something clean, whether it's a physical object, a space, or even a metaphorical concept like a reputation or a record.