attempt to clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempt to clear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an effort to remove obstacles, confusion, or misunderstandings. Example: "The team made an attempt to clear the confusion surrounding the project deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Every attempt to "clear my name" fails like the last.

The Guardian

Lava Jato was an attempt to clear up politics.

The Guardian

Hundreds of troops made no attempt to clear the road.

The Guardian

It was the men's third attempt to clear their names.

The Guardian

DR. EXNER: Did Hitler attempt to clear up the political situation by diplomatic means?

Yale University

The current reorganisations make too little attempt to clear up these conflicts of interest.

The Economist

Do my questions make you uncomfortable, I ask, in an attempt to clear the air.

The Guardian - Music

He writes:  Rail services in Scotland remain cancelled as workers attempt to clear debris from lines.

The Guardian

Last October, the Court of Appeal turned down Clark's first attempt to clear her name.

The Guardian

U.S. officials say they will not attempt to clear those sites.

The Washington Post

It was the city's third attempt to clear the overgrown lots in the Lower Ninth.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "attempt to clear" when you want to convey a sense of effort and purpose in removing or resolving something. For example, "The negotiators made an "attempt to clear" the remaining obstacles to the agreement".

Common error

Avoid using "attempt to clear" in overly passive constructions. Instead of "An attempt was made to clear the area", opt for the more direct "The police attempted to clear the area".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempt to clear" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a larger clause describing an action taken with the intention of removing or resolving something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "attempt to clear" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that describes an effort to remove, resolve, or clarify something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, academic writing, and general communication. While alternatives like "try to resolve" or "make an effort to clarify" exist, "attempt to clear" effectively conveys both the effort and the intended outcome. Be mindful of overusing passive constructions for stronger writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try to resolve

This alternative focuses on solving a problem or dispute.

make an effort to clarify

This emphasizes the act of making something easier to understand.

aim to resolve

Focuses on having a goal to resolve.

seek to eliminate

This suggests a proactive approach to removing something unwanted.

strive to remove

This highlights the effort and determination involved in the removal process.

endeavor to rectify

This implies an attempt to correct or fix a wrong or undesirable situation.

take steps to correct

This highlights the actions taken to make something right.

move to clear away

This emphasizes the action of physically removing something from a space.

work to alleviate

This suggests a focus on reducing or lessening something negative.

undertake to dispel

This suggests a formal or serious attempt to get rid of something, usually a negative belief or feeling.

FAQs

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

Use "attempt to clear" when describing an effort to remove something, whether physical or abstract. For example, "The team made an "attempt to clear" the road after the accident" or "The politician made an "attempt to clear" his name from scandal".

What are some alternatives to "attempt to clear"?

You can use alternatives like "try to resolve", "make an effort to clarify", or "seek to eliminate" depending on the context.

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

"Attempt to clear" and "try to clear" are often interchangeable. However, "attempt to clear" can sometimes imply a more formal or deliberate effort than "try to clear".

When is it appropriate to use "attempt to clear" instead of just "clear"?

Use "attempt to clear" when the effort might not be successful or when you want to emphasize the effort being made. If the clearing is successful and straightforward, simply using "clear" might be more concise.