attempt to fortify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempt to fortify" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing efforts to strengthen or reinforce something, whether it be a physical structure, an argument, or a position. Example: "The team made an attempt to fortify their defenses before the upcoming match."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The characters attempt to fortify their homes, only to see their surroundings washed away.

The New Yorker

The Qing dynasty (1644 1911/12) government made some attempt to fortify the port, but the fortifications were never completed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We have made no attempt to fortify the place, nor does there seem to be any intention to move us further on.

The New York Times

In my favorite piece, "Mithradates of Fond Du Lac," he introduces Tim Friede, a self-immunizer who injects himself with snake venom in a desperate or perhaps heroic attempt to fortify himself.

The New Yorker

Although Germany pursues a patient strategy that recognizes many of the post-cold-war complexities of the former Soviet empire, Mr. Putin has not achieved the level of warm relations that characterized Mr. Yeltsin's dealing with former Chancellor Helmut Kohl, and this visit is surely an attempt to fortify what is for Mr. Putin a critical relationship.

The New York Times

A proactive holistic view avoids the reactive, tunnel-vision approach to cybersecurity, where companies attempt to fortify gaps in their defenses as they arise.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Attempts to fortify them are met with resistance from ecologists and other beach users, who say the houses should not have been built there in the first place.

The Guardian

A particular buddy of Mr Abe's, Mr Shiozaki lacks Mr Yosano's tact, charm and political connections.As well as revamping the government, Mr Abe has attempted to fortify the party structure.

The Economist

The occasion for that showdown was a tariff, but it was well understood that South Carolina was attempting to fortify itself for the day when slavery, which John C. Calhoun called the South's "peculiar domestic institution," might be the target of federal attack.

The New York Times - Books

There was resentment about how much basic services were to be cut, while the council was also attempting to fortify the city's economy via capital investment in housing, broadband, and redeveloping parts of the city centre, which was to be sizeably funded by borrowing.

The Guardian

"It's ironic that you're increasing the risk of corruption at the same time as you're attempting to fortify the border".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attempt to fortify", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being strengthened or reinforced. For example, "The government made an "attempt to fortify" the nation's economy by investing in infrastructure projects".

Common error

While "attempt to fortify" is grammatically sound, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for more precise verbs like 'strengthen', 'reinforce', or 'secure' to convey the intended meaning more effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempt to fortify" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an effort or try to strengthen or reinforce something. It combines the action of "attempt" with the goal of "fortify", as shown by Ludwig in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Science

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attempt to fortify" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe an effort to strengthen or reinforce something. As identified by Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, including News & Media, encyclopedias, Science, and Wiki sources, with a neutral to formal tone. Alternatives like "try to reinforce" or "seek to strengthen" can be used for stylistic variation. It's crucial to specify what is being fortified to ensure clarity. While versatile, overuse in formal contexts should be avoided in favor of more precise verbs like 'strengthen' or 'secure'.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try to reinforce

Focuses on the act of reinforcing, emphasizing the effort made.

seek to strengthen

Implies a deliberate and purposeful effort to make something stronger.

endeavor to bolster

A more formal way of saying 'try to strengthen', suggesting a serious effort.

make an effort to reinforce

Highlights the effort involved in reinforcing something.

aim to secure

Shifts the focus to making something secure, implying fortification.

strive to protect

Emphasizes the protective aspect of fortification.

work to safeguard

Highlights the effort put into safeguarding something through fortification.

take steps to defend

Focuses on the actions taken to defend something, implying fortification.

undertake to shield

A more formal expression suggesting a commitment to shielding something.

move to reinforce

Focuses on the action of moving towards reinforcement.

FAQs

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

You can use "attempt to fortify" when describing an effort to strengthen or reinforce something. For example, "The engineers made an "attempt to fortify" the bridge against earthquakes."

What's a more formal alternative to "attempt to fortify"?

For more formal alternatives, consider using phrases like "seek to strengthen" or "endeavor to bolster". These options add a level of sophistication to your writing.

Is it always necessary to specify what is being fortified when using "attempt to fortify"?

Yes, it is best practice to specify what is being fortified to provide clarity and context. For instance, instead of saying "They "attempt to fortify"", say "They "attempt to fortify" their defenses".

What's the difference between "attempt to fortify" and "successfully fortify"?

"Attempt to fortify" implies an effort made, whereas "successfully fortify" indicates that the effort was effective. The former focuses on the try, the latter on the achievement.