attempt to return

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempt to return" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an effort or endeavor to go back to a previous state, location, or condition. Example: "After several failed attempts to return to the original plan, the team decided to start fresh."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Do not attempt to return it.

The New Yorker

The Protestant attempt to return to primitive Christianity has led to strong affirmations of Christ-mysticism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The framework makes no attempt to return Detroit to its glory days.

The Guardian

Raspberry Pi is interesting attempt to return to that – but it's a start, not an end.

The Guardian

The company said the layoffs were an attempt to return to a "start-up culture".

The New York Times - Tech

She has yet to pursue a career herself, however, other than an abortive attempt to return to modeling.

The New York Times

Tells about his purchase of paintings, including a Monet & Renoir, from Alexander Apsis & his attempt to return them.

The New Yorker

Egyptian authorities have grounded eight flights from Sharm el-Sheikh airport, as thousands of British tourists attempt to return home.

Independent

These products are removed from the shelves, and both retailers and consumers attempt to return them to the manufacturer.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1689, encouraged by William's accession to the English throne, Arnaud decided on a third attempt to return to Piedmont.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

An attempt to return the Privy Council to power was made in the Act of Settlement of 1701 (Hanoverian Succession), but it proved futile.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "attempt to return" when you want to emphasize the effort or intention behind going back to a previous state, condition, or place. It's particularly suitable when the return is not guaranteed or might face obstacles.

Common error

Avoid using "attempt to return" when a simpler verb like "return" or "go back" suffices. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or convoluted in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempt to return" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an action or effort aimed at reversing a departure or reverting to a previous state. Ludwig AI confirms this is a standard English construction, readily found across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

14%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attempt to return" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that describes an effort to go back to a previous state, location, or condition. Ludwig AI affirms its common usage across a variety of sources, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. While versatile, be mindful of using simpler alternatives like "return" when the context doesn't require emphasizing effort. The phrase is generally neutral in register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. Using "attempt to return" effectively involves understanding its nuances and appropriateness within specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try to return

This alternative is a more direct and simpler way of expressing the same idea.

make an effort to return

This alternative emphasizes the exertion required to go back.

seek to return

This alternative implies a more deliberate and focused effort to go back.

aim to return

This alternative highlights the intention or goal of going back.

endeavor to return

This alternative suggests a more formal and determined effort.

take steps to return

This alternative focuses on the actions taken to facilitate a return.

plan to return

This alternative implies a strategic approach to returning.

aspire to return

This alternative suggests a strong desire and ambition to go back.

arrange to return

This alternative focuses on the logistical preparations for returning.

hope to return

This alternative conveys a wishful expectation of going back.

FAQs

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

You can use "attempt to return" to describe someone making an effort to go back to a previous state, location, or condition. For example, "The company made an attempt to return to profitability" or "He will attempt to return home next week".

What are some alternatives to "attempt to return"?

Alternatives include "try to return", "seek to return", or "make an effort to return", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it best to use "attempt to return" versus simply "return"?

"Attempt to return" is best used when emphasizing the effort or uncertainty involved in the act of returning. If the return is straightforward and certain, "return" is sufficient. If there's struggle or uncertainty involved, use "attempt to return".

What is the difference between "attempt to return" and "failed to return"?

"Attempt to return" indicates an effort was made to go back, without specifying the outcome. In contrast, "failed to return" indicates that an effort was made, but it was unsuccessful. Therefore, "failed to return" implies lack of success in the returning process.