attempt to work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempt to work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an effort or endeavor to engage in a task or job. Example: "Despite the challenges, I will make an attempt to work on the project this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This show doesn't attempt to work as theatre.

Independent

Jo and Frank attempt to work out their differences.

The Guardian - Film

Now the two sides appear set to meet in an attempt to work out their differences.

The New York Times - Tech

The attempt to work out these difficulties belongs to a more detailed study of the movement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But neither met regularly nor made much attempt to work with the other.

The Economist

"There is no attempt to work in the center and find a kind of bipartisan middle".

The New York Times

You need that third attempt to work out some of the kinks".

The New York Times - Sports

Some believe that children pretend to be some creature in an attempt to work out social roles and expectations.

The New York Times

The damage is currently being assessed in an attempt to work out exactly what materials the amateur restorer used.

Independent

My journey was an attempt to work out what had happened to Britain in the intervening years.

The Guardian - Opinion

As far as I know, nobody seems to have made any serious attempt to work out the costs.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "attempt to work" to describe a deliberate and conscious effort. For more passive or unintentional actions, consider alternative phrases like "try to work" or "make an effort to work".

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of "attempt to work" in casual conversation can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "try to work" or "try and work" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempt to work" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically serving as a noun, adjective, or adverb within a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase indicates an effort or intention to engage in employment or activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

27%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attempt to work" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig, employed to depict the act of trying to engage in work or resolve issues. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as scientific texts, it maintains a generally neutral tone appropriate for diverse contexts. For situations requiring alternatives, expressions such as "make an effort to work" or "endeavor to find work" can serve as effective substitutes. When using "attempt to work", clarity regarding the specific work or goal is crucial to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make an effort to work

Highlights the exertion of effort.

take steps to work

Implies a series of actions toward working.

try to get employed

Focuses on the outcome of securing employment rather than the effort.

strive for employment

Highlights the effort and dedication towards finding work.

try to gain employment

Focuses on securing employment through effort.

seek to be employed

Emphasizes the desire for employment.

endeavor to find work

A more formal way of expressing the effort to find employment.

aim to be working

Focuses on the goal of being employed.

hope to find a job

Emphasizes the expectation of finding employment.

aspire to work

Suggests a strong desire and ambition to work.

FAQs

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

The phrase "attempt to work" indicates making an effort to engage in employment or activity. Example: "They "attempt to work" together to solve the problem".

What's a more formal synonym for "attempt to work"?

A more formal alternative to "attempt to work" includes "endeavor to work", which emphasizes a serious and determined effort. Alternatively, "strive to work" conveys a dedicated approach.

Is there a difference between "attempt to work" and "try to work"?

While similar, "attempt to work" suggests a more deliberate and planned effort than "try to work". "Try to work" can imply a less structured or more experimental approach, whereas "attempt to work" suggests a considered action.

Which is better, "attempt to work" or "make an effort to work"?

"Attempt to work" and "make an effort to work" are largely interchangeable. However, "make an effort to work" might slightly emphasize the exertion of energy, while "attempt to work" focuses on the intention to perform the work.