attempt to identify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempt to identify" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when discussing the act of trying to recognize or determine the identity of something or someone. Example: The detective's attempt to identify the suspect from the blurry security footage was unsuccessful.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We attempt to identify need.

The New York Times

We attempt to identify which persuasive strategy is most successful.

Computers in Human Behavior

Warrants must be sought to access their data in an attempt to identify their sources.

The Guardian - Tech

More people came to the mosque in an attempt to identify the other bodies.

The Guardian

But later she explained that her comments were merely her attempt to identify a problem.

The New York Times

The "Third Way" discourse is Blair's attempt to identify a distinctive approach and agenda.

The Guardian

A first attempt to identify moisture-induced stresses in different European climatic regions was made.

Engineering Structures

Examines challenges that arise when researchers attempt to identify the causal effects of inputs.

Columbia University

Upload a photo of a bird you've seen, and the software will attempt to identify it.

Columbia University

However, categories are not provided nor does TextSmart attempt to identify word senses.

Harvard University

Relatives today filed through the hospitals and clinics in an attempt to identify the unnamed victims.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attempt to identify", ensure the context clarifies the method or criteria being used for identification. For example, specify "attempt to identify through DNA analysis" or "attempt to identify based on eyewitness accounts" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "attempt to identify" excessively in passive voice constructions. Overuse can lead to wordy and less direct sentences. Instead of "an attempt was made to identify", opt for the active form: "researchers attempted to identify".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempt to identify" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action aimed at discovering or recognizing something. It is commonly used to describe a process where there is an effort to determine the identity of an object, person, or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attempt to identify" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes the action of trying to determine or recognize something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. Its usage is prevalent in scientific, news, and academic contexts, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. To enhance clarity, specify the identification method in your writing. While the phrase is versatile, avoid overuse in passive constructions. Consider related phrases like "try to pinpoint" or "seek to determine" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try to pinpoint

Focuses on finding an exact location or detail, adding a layer of precision that "attempt to identify" may not have.

seek to determine

Emphasizes the effort to find something out, conveying a more formal and intentional approach than "attempt to identify".

aim to discern

Highlights the act of distinguishing something from a range of possibilities, suggesting a careful and perceptive effort compared to "attempt to identify".

undertake to detect

Implies a formal commitment to find something, offering a sense of obligation not present in "attempt to identify".

endeavor to recognize

Stresses the effort to acknowledge or properly understand something, focusing on understanding rather than just identification compared to "attempt to identify".

strive to ascertain

Highlights an effort to establish something with certainty, emphasizing confirmation rather than initial recognition, setting it apart from "attempt to identify".

make an effort to discover

Emphasizes the work of revealing something previously unknown, conveying a sense of exploration that "attempt to identify" may lack.

take steps to diagnose

Suggests a procedural approach to determining the nature of a problem, particularly in medical or technical contexts, introducing a specific methodology not inherent in "attempt to identify".

work toward uncovering

Indicates ongoing effort to reveal something hidden, suggesting persistence and gradual progress compared to "attempt to identify".

try to characterize

Focuses on defining specific traits and qualities, offering a more detailed and analytical approach than the basic recognition implied by "attempt to identify".

FAQs

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

Use "attempt to identify" when you want to express the act of trying to recognize or determine something. For instance, "The scientists will attempt to identify the source of the contamination".

What are some alternatives to "attempt to identify"?

You can use alternatives like "try to pinpoint", "seek to determine", or "aim to discern" depending on the context.

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

"Attempt to identify" is slightly more formal than "try to identify". The choice depends on the tone and context of your writing. In formal or scientific writing, "attempt to identify" may be preferred.

What's the difference between "attempt to identify" and "succeed in identifying"?

"Attempt to identify" indicates the action of trying to identify something, without guaranteeing success. "Succeed in identifying" implies that the identification was successful. For example, "They attempted to identify the gene responsible for the disease" versus "They succeeded in identifying the gene responsible for the disease".