attempt to finish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempt to finish" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an effort to complete a task or project. Example: "Despite the challenges, I will make an attempt to finish the report by the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Writing

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

I attempt to finish my final paper for my Desire class.

The New York Times

Kerr, the 2007 United States Women's Open champion, sank her birdie attempt to finish with a one-under 71.

The New York Times - Sports

Officials in Washington, Jerusalem and Ramallah tell me that the secretary of state will lead what her husband recently called the attempt to "finish Rabin's work".

The New York Times

In the everyman category, Robert Shurman is plugging away in his attempt to finish his 29th consecutive New York City marathon.

The New York Times

That country's reluctance to make concessions on agriculture was blamed by many for the collapse of the last serious attempt to finish the Doha round in July 2008.

The Economist

According to her office, Ms. Giffords will attempt to "finish her Congress on Your Corner" event in the supermarket parking lot in Tucson where she was shot.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

There have also been countless attempts to finish the story.

The New York Times

Attempts to "finish" this piece are presumptuous and unwise.

The New York Times - Arts

But it might have had an inadvertent consequence: some are attempting to finish what they started.

The New York Times - Sports

Alex's attempts to finish his book are continually disrupted by her persistent requests and complaints.

The New York Times

Robinson hit 4 of 6 3-point attempts to finish with 14 points to go with 7 rebounds.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attempt to finish", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being finished. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the task, project, or goal.

Common error

While "attempt to finish" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your prose sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "strive to complete" or "endeavor to finalize" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempt to finish" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically serving as part of a verb phrase. It describes the act of trying to bring something to a conclusion. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Sports

20%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

TechCrunch

8%

Huffington Post

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attempt to finish" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes an effort to complete something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts but particularly common in News & Media and Sports. While generally neutral in tone, varying your vocabulary with synonyms like "try to complete" or "make an effort to complete" can enhance your writing. Remember to clearly specify what is being finished to avoid ambiguity. By understanding its function and common usage, you can effectively incorporate "attempt to finish" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try to complete

Uses a more common synonym for "attempt", reducing formality.

make an effort to complete

Emphasizes the exertion of effort in achieving completion.

seek to conclude

More formal, emphasizing the goal of reaching a conclusion.

strive to finalize

Highlights the dedication towards reaching a final state.

aim to achieve completion

Focuses on the desired outcome of completing a task.

endeavor to wrap up

Offers a less formal alternative using "wrap up" for completion.

take steps to complete

Emphasizes the actions taken in order to finalize something.

move toward finishing

Highlights the progress being made toward the end goal.

work towards completion

Focuses on the effort being directed toward the finalization of something.

undertake to conclude

A more formal and serious way of expressing the intention to finish.

FAQs

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

You can use "attempt to finish" to describe an effort to complete a task. For example, "I will "attempt to finish" the report by the end of the day."

What are some alternatives to "attempt to finish"?

You can use alternatives like "try to complete", "make an effort to complete", or "seek to conclude" depending on the context.

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

Both ""attempt to finish"" and "try to finish" are correct, but "try to finish" is more common and less formal. "Attempt to finish" might be preferred in more formal contexts.

What's the difference between "attempt to finish" and "succeed in finishing"?

"Attempt to finish" indicates an effort is being made, without guaranteeing completion. "Succeed in finishing" implies that the task has been successfully completed.