attempted only

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempted only" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase implies that something was tried but not completed. For example, "He attempted only a few of the questions on the test."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Unfortunately, Farris attempted only 39 passes over that time.

The New York Times

Amazingly, he attempted only two free throws, missing them both.

The New York Times - Sports

He has attempted only 17 field goals and made 12.

The New York Times

The Texans ran 35 times and attempted only 20 passes.

The New York Times

The Tigers attempted only eight passes — and completed them all.

The New York Times

Danilo Gallinari scored 14 points but attempted only seven shots.

The New York Times - Sports

The Jets attempted only one deep pass, an incompletion to Santana Moss.

The New York Times - Sports

In total, there have been 44 occasions when it has been attempted, only three times successfully.

The Guardian - Sport

On Thursday, the first night Caroline's reopened, Mr. Meneve said he'd attempted only one joke.

The New York Times - Arts

Pritchard entered the game having attempted only three passes in his career.

The New York Times - Sports

Jagr attempted only one shot in 19 50 of playing time.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "attempted only" to clearly convey that an action was initiated but not completed, and to highlight the limited scope of the effort. This is particularly useful in reports, analyses, or when contrasting with expected or desired outcomes.

Common error

While "attempted only" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Consider stronger verbs or more descriptive phrases to convey nuance and precision in scholarly contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempted only" functions as a verb phrase modifier, indicating the extent to which an action was carried out. As Ludwig AI suggests, this implies that the action was started but not completed. It often serves to limit or qualify a statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "attempted only" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that an action was initiated but not fully completed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it implies a limited effort. It is most frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. While its register is generally neutral, it should be used judiciously in highly formal writing. Related phrases, such as "only tried" or "merely attempted", can offer alternative nuances. Remember to use "attempted only" to convey incompleteness or a qualified action, and consider the specific context to ensure the phrase aligns with the desired tone and level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only tried

Uses simpler vocabulary, making it slightly more informal.

just attempted

A more direct and concise way of expressing the limited attempt.

merely attempted

Adds emphasis on the insignificance or lack of ambition in the attempt.

simply tried

Implies ease or lack of complication in the attempt itself.

tried just

Emphasizes the limited scope of the effort with a slight change in word order.

only made an attempt

More verbose and slightly more formal.

solely attempted

Similar to 'merely attempted' but can also imply a unique or exclusive attempt.

scarcely attempted

Highlights the rarity or infrequency of the attempt.

did no more than attempt

Strongly emphasizes the lack of further action beyond the initial attempt.

just gave it a shot

Very informal, suggesting a casual try with low expectations.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "attempted only" to sound more formal?

Consider alternatives such as "merely attempted", "made a limited attempt", or "did no more than attempt". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "attempted only"?

While generally correct, it might be less suitable in contexts demanding strong, decisive language. In such cases, consider emphasizing the lack of success with phrases like "failed to achieve" or "fell short of".

What does "attempted only" imply about the effort involved?

It implies that the effort was limited or incomplete. It suggests that the action was started but not fully pursued or achieved. Consider using alternatives like "only tried" or "just attempted" for slightly different emphasis.

How does "attempted only" differ from "successfully attempted"?

"Attempted only" indicates a lack of success, whereas "successfully attempted" implies that the effort resulted in the desired outcome. The former highlights the limitation, while the latter emphasizes achievement.