attempt to locate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempt to locate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of trying to find something or someone. Example: "The team will attempt to locate the missing documents by the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In an attempt to locate Parker's cell phone, police pinged the phone and triangulated its location to Oglethorpe County's Smithonia community, on the outskirts on Athens.

Huffington Post

"Surveillance is an attempt to locate people once they have already become radicalised.

The Guardian

This is not the first exhibition to attempt to locate works in such a theatrical setting.

The Guardian - Arts

Ironically, Piazzi was not a party to that attempt to locate the missing planet.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The global flurry is an attempt to locate them again, to become connected, to care and feel cared for.

The Guardian - Books

At the same time, the playwright has made an attempt to locate her everypeople in today's world.

The New York Times

"Police airmen should be doing an aerial surveillance search of the Kintore Road in an attempt to locate those people".

The Guardian

It also said Batty would appreciate an attempt to locate Greg Anderson given he had recently assaulted her.

The Guardian

Leveson says: There were steps that Mr Myler could have taken in an attempt to locate and defuse 'the bombs'.

The Guardian

He chose to open two no-trump and landed in three no-trump after his partner made an unsuccessful attempt to locate a spade fit.

The New York Times

"I can inform the house that a Royal Australian Air Force Orion has been diverted to attempt to locate the objects.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, "attempt to locate" is a suitable choice. In more casual contexts, consider using "try to find".

Common error

Avoid using "attempt to locate" in overly casual conversations or writing. It can sound unnecessarily formal or stilted when simpler alternatives like "try to find" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempt to locate" functions as an infinitive phrase. It is typically used as part of a verb phrase to indicate the action of trying to find something or someone. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is deemed correct and widely usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "attempt to locate" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, particularly within news and media and scientific domains. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread applicability. While its formality lends itself to professional and neutral contexts, simpler alternatives like "try to find" may be preferable in informal settings. Understanding the nuances of its usage ensures effective and appropriate communication, making it a valuable tool for writers across diverse fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try to find

A more direct and informal way of saying "attempt to locate".

seek to identify

Emphasizes the goal of identification rather than simply finding something.

endeavor to discover

A more formal and emphatic way to express the effort to find something.

strive to pinpoint

Implies a precise and focused effort to find the exact location.

make an effort to detect

Focuses on detecting something that may be hidden or difficult to find.

undertake a search for

Emphasizes the action of searching as a formal undertaking.

initiate a quest to find

Suggests a longer, more involved search process.

work to ascertain

Focuses on establishing something as fact by finding relevant information.

explore to identify

Implies a systematic exploration to find and identify something.

aim to unearth

Suggests finding something that is buried or hidden.

FAQs

What does "attempt to locate" mean?

The phrase "attempt to locate" means to try to find someone or something. It suggests making an effort to discover the whereabouts or position of something that is not immediately visible or known.

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

You can use "attempt to locate" in sentences such as: "The police will "try to find" the missing child", or "Researchers are making an "effort to detect" the source of the problem."

What are some alternatives to "attempt to locate"?

Some alternatives to "attempt to locate" include "try to find", "seek to identify", or "make an effort to detect". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "attempt to locate"?

It is appropriate to use "attempt to locate" in formal writing, reports, and situations where a deliberate and methodical search is being described. For casual conversation, simpler phrases might be more suitable.