attempt to do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempt to do" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to talk about someone trying to do something. For example, "He attempted to complete the project on time, but was unsuccessful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Any attempt to do so is pointless.

The New Yorker

It's impossible to attempt to do both.

The Guardian

But one cautious attempt to do so has faltered.

The Economist

Orser will attempt to do the same with Kim.

The New York Times - Sports

"The Democrats will absolutely attempt to do that".

The New York Times

Our governments should at least attempt to do so.

The Guardian - Opinion

I promise to attempt to do the vegetable justice.

The Guardian - Music

Brazil's flawed attempt to do this is a step forward.

The Economist

But it was worth the attempt to do something original.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"The BBC should not attempt to do everything.

The Guardian

To attempt to do so would be unilateralism run amok".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "attempt to do" when you want to convey a sense of effort or intention without guaranteeing success. It's suitable for situations where the outcome is uncertain or challenging.

Common error

In casual conversation or informal writing, consider using simpler alternatives like "try to do" or "have a go at doing" to maintain a natural tone. "Attempt to do" can sometimes sound overly formal in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempt to do" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically serving as a verb complement or part of a verb phrase. It expresses the act of trying or endeavoring to perform a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

36%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attempt to do" is a versatile and frequently used infinitive phrase that signifies an effort or intention to perform an action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across a range of contexts. While suitable for formal and neutral settings, simpler alternatives like "try to do" might be preferred in casual conversation. The phrase is prominently featured in reputable sources such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Economist, highlighting its widespread acceptance and usage. Understanding the nuances and appropriate contexts for "attempt to do" can significantly enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try to do

This alternative is a more casual and common synonym for "attempt to do".

make an effort to do

This alternative emphasizes the exertion of effort, compared to "attempt to do".

strive to do

This alternative suggests a more earnest and determined effort compared to "attempt to do".

endeavor to do

This alternative is a more formal and less frequently used synonym for "attempt to do".

seek to do

This alternative implies a more deliberate and focused effort than "attempt to do".

aim to do

This alternative suggests a specific goal or objective that one is trying to achieve compared to "attempt to do".

undertake to do

This alternative conveys a sense of commitment and responsibility when compared to "attempt to do".

venture to do

This alternative implies a certain amount of risk or uncertainty when compared to "attempt to do".

take steps to do

This alternative refers to make specific actions in order to achieve it, compared to "attempt to do".

take on the task of doing

This alternative is a more verbose way of expressing an intention to perform an action compared to "attempt to do".

FAQs

What's a simpler way to say "attempt to do"?

You can often replace "attempt to do" with the more common and informal phrase "try to do". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it always necessary to include "to do" after "attempt"?

Yes, the infinitive form "to do" is essential after "attempt" when you are describing an action. "Attempt" requires an infinitive to complete its meaning, clarifying what is being tried.

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

You can use "attempt to do" in a sentence to indicate that someone is trying to perform an action, such as, "She will "attempt to do" her best on the test." It suggests an effort without guaranteeing success.

What's the difference between "attempt to do" and "try to do"?

While similar, ""attempt to do"" often suggests a more formal or deliberate effort than "try to do". "Try to do" is more common in everyday language, whereas "attempt to do" can be used when emphasizing the effort or challenge involved.