attempt to conceal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempt to conceal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an effort or action taken to hide or keep something secret. Example: "The suspect made an attempt to conceal the evidence from the authorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He didn't attempt to conceal his anger.

The Guardian

Swarbrick said there was no attempt to conceal the story.

The New York Times - Sports

There is not the slightest attempt to conceal his agenda.

The Guardian - Opinion

The bootleg merchants make no attempt to conceal themselves.

The Guardian - Music

Media groups challenged Hague's attempt to conceal evidence.

The Guardian

Louis van Gaal made no attempt to conceal his frustration.

The Guardian - Sport

"There is no evidence at all of any attempt to conceal the identity of the child".

The New York Times

I had been caught in a lie, a desperate attempt to conceal my mistakes.

The New York Times

Mr Oddsson makes little attempt to conceal his disquiet over these matters.

The Economist

He had made no attempt to conceal his mirth when the tapes were shown in court.

The New Yorker

He made no attempt to conceal his contempt, and stormed off in a truly majestic huff.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attempt to conceal", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being hidden and the method used. For example, "The company made an "attempt to conceal" its financial losses by manipulating the accounting records."

Common error

Avoid using "attempt to conceal" when a more direct synonym like "hide" or "cover" would be clearer and more concise. Overusing "conceal" can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempt to conceal" functions as a verb phrase, typically serving as the predicate of a clause. It describes the action of trying to hide something. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from concealing evidence to concealing feelings. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "attempt to conceal" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe efforts to hide or keep something secret. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While it can be considered more formal than simpler alternatives like "try to hide", its specific use depends on the desired tone and context. Remember to ensure clarity about what is being concealed and the method employed. Avoid overuse in contexts where simpler synonyms would suffice. Related phrases include "try to hide" and "endeavour to cover up".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try to hide

Focuses on the act of hiding, simplifying the original phrase.

endeavour to cover up

Uses "endeavour" for a more formal tone and "cover up" as a synonym for conceal.

seek to disguise

Emphasizes the act of altering appearance to conceal.

aim to mask

Highlights the attempt to cover something, often an emotion or truth.

strive to suppress

Suggests an effort to actively prevent something from being known or expressed.

make an effort to obscure

Indicates a deliberate attempt to make something unclear or vague.

undertake to withhold

Implies a commitment to keep something back or secret.

venture to camouflage

Uses "camouflage" to suggest blending something in to hide it.

take steps to bury

Suggests active measures to keep something hidden and forgotten.

move to whitewash

Indicates an attempt to conceal wrongdoing by presenting a superficial account.

FAQs

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

You can use "attempt to conceal" to describe an effort to hide something. For instance, "The suspect made an "attempt to conceal" the evidence."

What are some alternatives to "attempt to conceal"?

Alternatives include "try to hide", "endeavour to cover up", or "seek to disguise" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "attempt to conceal" or simply "try to hide"?

"Attempt to conceal" is more formal. "Try to hide" is more direct and often clearer. The best choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What's the difference between "attempt to conceal" and "attempt to disguise"?

"Attempt to conceal" generally refers to hiding something from view or knowledge. "Attempt to disguise" implies altering the appearance or nature of something to prevent recognition.