attempt to elicit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempt to elicit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an effort to draw out a response, information, or a reaction from someone. Example: "The teacher made an attempt to elicit thoughtful responses from her students during the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Bosch said that Kelly was taken aback by this attempt to elicit information.

The New Yorker

Perhaps even the attempt to elicit meaning from D-Day is indicative of twenty-first century solipsism.

The Guardian

The key was Barber's use of humour and irony to attempt to elicit a response from Kleiber – it worked.

The Guardian - Music

Important Warning: Passport photographers may not wink, roll their eyes, stick out their tongues, imitate a chimpanzee or otherwise attempt to elicit a facial response from the applicant.

The New York Times

Trump is not the first Republican candidate to endorse the use of waterboarding, which involves simulating drowning, in an attempt to elicit information from terror suspects.

The Guardian

They have lost five straight since Thomas decided to send Marbury to the bench, an attempt to elicit better defense and leadership from him.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

We study the computational aspects of information elicitation mechanisms in which a principal attempts to elicit the private information of other agents using a carefully selected payment scheme based on proper scoring rules.

Artificial Intelligence

She ignores his attempts to elicit sympathy.

The New Yorker

All her attempts to elicit a response from him were like stones cast into the ocean.

The New Yorker

He was unmoved by my kitchen and my attempts to elicit sympathy.

The New York Times

Unknown Attempts to elicit a response from the European headquarters of the International Taekwondo Federation were redirected to Seoul.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attempt to elicit", ensure the context clearly indicates what you are trying to draw out. For example, instead of "The study attempted to elicit responses", specify "The study attempted to elicit emotional responses from participants".

Common error

Avoid using "attempt to elicit" when a simpler verb like "ask", "get", or "find out" would suffice. Overusing formal phrases can make your writing sound unnatural or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempt to elicit" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a larger clause. It combines the noun "attempt" with the infinitive verb "to elicit", indicating an effort to draw out or obtain something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "attempt to elicit" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe an effort to draw out or obtain something, whether it be information, a response, or a reaction. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in various contexts, highlighting its prevalence in news, science, and formal writing. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, remember that simpler alternatives might be more appropriate in less formal settings. When using "attempt to elicit", be specific about what you are trying to draw out, ensuring clarity and precision in your writing. Numerous examples are provided in Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make an effort to draw out

More verbose, but emphasizes the work involved in eliciting a response.

try to obtain

Focuses on the effort to get or secure something, similar to eliciting.

seek to evoke

Emphasizes the goal of provoking a feeling or response.

take steps to prompt

Focuses on initiating a response through a series of actions.

aim to extract

Highlights the effort to carefully draw out something specific.

work to stimulate

Implies active effort to encourage activity or response.

endeavor to derive

Implies a more formal and systematic effort to obtain something.

strive to procure

Suggests a considerable effort to acquire or obtain something.

undertake to gain

Emphasizes the commitment to obtain something through a specific action.

set out to provoke

Highlights the intention to cause a specific reaction.

FAQs

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

You can use "attempt to elicit" to describe an effort to draw out information, a response, or a reaction from someone or something. For example, "The interviewer made an "attempt to elicit" a confession from the suspect."

What are some alternatives to "attempt to elicit"?

Some alternatives to "attempt to elicit" include "try to obtain", "seek to evoke", or "make an effort to draw out", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Attempt to elicit" and "try to elicit" are largely interchangeable. However, "attempt to elicit" might sound slightly more formal, while "try to elicit" is more common in everyday language.

What's the difference between "attempt to elicit" and "attempt to induce"?

"Attempt to elicit" focuses on drawing out a response or information, while "attempt to induce" implies trying to cause or bring about a specific state or condition. Eliciting is about uncovering what's already there, whereas inducing is about creating something new.