attempt to ensure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempt to ensure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing efforts made to guarantee a certain outcome or condition. Example: "The organization will make an attempt to ensure that all safety protocols are followed during the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Any attempt to ensure jobs were created or skills shared was regarded as undue interference.

The Guardian

HealthChoice officials said they would attempt to ensure that no patients were left without coverage.

The New York Times

The first is an attempt to ensure that only legitimate traders can buy and sell information.

The Economist

He introduced many amendments to the bill during the Senate debates to attempt to ensure greater protections for Australians.

The Guardian

But in areas like algebra and calculus, they are nothing more than a transparent attempt to ensure premature textbook obsolescence.

The New York Times

The education secretary said: "These are an attempt to ensure our education system stands comparison with the world's most rigorous.

The Guardian

Once the immediate crisis has blown over, companies attempt to ensure it is wiped from people's long-term memory.

The Guardian

This new effort by the president is nothing but a blatant attempt to ensure continued support from the religious right.

The New York Times

Wait until you attempt to ensure, say, that everyone receiving a state pension is paid the correct amount, on time.

The Guardian - Opinion

The rules hash is a brazen attempt to ensure someone other than Sebastian Vettel wins the World Championship in 2014.

Independent

This was an indication of the government's attempt to ensure gender equality in land related issues.

Environmental Systems Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attempt to ensure", clearly state the specific action being taken to achieve the desired outcome. This adds clarity and strength to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "attempt to ensure" when the outcome is highly uncertain or impossible to guarantee. Instead, use phrases that reflect the level of certainty, such as "hope to facilitate" or "aim to support".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempt to ensure" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It describes the reason or intention behind an action, indicating an effort to achieve a specific outcome. Ludwig confirms the phrase's correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attempt to ensure" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates an effort to guarantee a specific outcome. As Ludwig confirms, it is versatile, appearing in news, scientific, and business contexts. While generally neutral to professional in tone, writers should be mindful not to overstate the certainty of the outcome when using this phrase. Alternatives like "try to ensure" or "seek to ensure" can provide subtle variations in meaning. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively use "attempt to ensure" to convey your intended meaning with precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

endeavor to ensure

Emphasis on a determined or zealous effort, less common than "attempt".

try to ensure

A more casual and common alternative focusing on the act of trying.

seek to ensure

Highlights the act of actively pursuing or seeking to guarantee something.

aim to ensure

Focuses on the goal or objective of guaranteeing a certain outcome.

strive to ensure

Implies a more persistent and dedicated effort to guarantee something.

make an effort to ensure

More verbose, but emphasizes the exertion of effort.

take steps to ensure

Focuses on specific actions taken to achieve the desired outcome.

work to ensure

Highlights ongoing activity and effort toward guaranteeing something.

undertake to ensure

Suggests a formal or committed effort.

move to ensure

Emphasis on initiating action toward a guaranteed outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "attempt to ensure" to describe an effort made to guarantee a certain outcome. For example, "The company will "attempt to ensure" all safety protocols are followed."

What are some alternatives to "attempt to ensure"?

Alternatives include phrases like "try to ensure", "seek to ensure", or "aim to ensure", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Attempt to ensure" and "try to ensure" are largely interchangeable. The choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality. "Attempt to ensure" might sound slightly more formal.

What is the difference between "attempt to ensure" and "guarantee"?

"Attempt to ensure" implies an effort is being made, but the outcome is not certain. "Guarantee" suggests a definite and certain outcome. You wouldn't say "attempt to guarantee" because "guarantee" already implies certainty.