attempt to express

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempt to express" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing efforts to convey thoughts, feelings, or ideas in words or other forms of communication. Example: "In her poem, she makes an attempt to express the complexities of love and loss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In previous studies in an attempt to express hG-CSF in plants, we experienced only low levels of its expression (lower than 0.05% total soluble protein) in transgenic Arabidopsis and tobacco [ 18].

BMC Biotechnology

Here, we attempt to express this de novo designed protein in alfalfa.

Plant Physiology and Biochemistry

My keyboard is rejecting these words as I attempt to express them.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The memorial's design was an attempt to express as many facets of Kerouac as possible.

The New Yorker

Campbell misreads as grandiloquence Baldwin's attempt to express a prophetic vision.

The New York Times - Books

"On the other side we have a heritage which has been an attempt to express the nature of our humanity.

The New York Times

His last movement was an attempt to express with his mouth the drum passages in the Requiem.

The New York Times - Arts

Religion, our rituals, our music, even our theology, is a human attempt to express what we have experienced.

The New York Times - Arts

Conservatism practically begins with the fear that the attempt to express compassion through the state is likely to backfire.

The New York Times

In fact, Freud says, the attempt to express a wish is precisely what makes us feel anxious.

The New York Times - Books

This, in the end, is the main reason any of us attempt to express our experience in words.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attempt to express", consider the nuance you want to convey. Choose a more specific verb like 'articulate', 'convey', or 'communicate' if it better reflects the nature of the expression.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overusing "attempt to express" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "try to convey" or "make an effort to articulate" to add stylistic flair and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempt to express" functions as an infinitive phrase indicating purpose. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it describes the reason or motivation behind an action, denoting an effort to articulate or convey a specific idea or emotion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attempt to express" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to describe an effort to communicate thoughts, feelings, or ideas. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It's commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While widely used, varying your language with synonyms like "try to convey" or "make an effort to articulate" can enhance your writing style. Remember to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and choose a verb that accurately reflects the nature of the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try to convey

Focuses on the act of conveying a message or idea.

make an effort to articulate

Emphasizes the careful and clear expression of something.

endeavor to communicate

Highlights a serious or determined effort to share information.

seek to articulate

Suggests a deliberate and thoughtful approach to expressing oneself.

strive to communicate

Indicates a persistent effort to get a message across.

venture to voice

Implies a cautious or hesitant attempt to express an opinion or feeling.

aim to articulate

Highlights that articulation is the aim or goal.

undertake to verbalize

Suggests a formal or deliberate effort to put something into words.

take a stab at explaining

Indicates an informal and possibly uncertain attempt to clarify something.

give an account of

Focuses on narrating or describing something.

FAQs

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

You can use "attempt to express" to describe an effort to communicate a thought, feeling, or idea. For example, "The artist used abstract forms in an "attempt to express" their inner turmoil."

What can I say instead of "attempt to express"?

You can use alternatives like "try to convey", "make an effort to articulate", or "endeavor to communicate" depending on the context.

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

Both "attempt to express" and "try to express" are grammatically correct. "Attempt to express" can sound slightly more formal, while "try to express" is generally more common in everyday language.

What's the difference between "attempt to express" and "intend to express"?

"Attempt to express" implies an action taken to communicate something, while "intend to express" indicates a plan or purpose to communicate something in the future. The former signifies an effort, the latter an intention.