attempted to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempted to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that someone tried to do, but ultimately was unsuccessful. For example, "She attempted to bake a cake, but it ended up being a complete disaster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He attempted to supply one.

The New York Times - Sports

My father attempted to intercede.

The New Yorker

Brisbane attempted to explain why.

The New Yorker

He attempted to even out his drives.

The New York Times - Sports

I had attempted to be the type.

The New Yorker

He rarely attempted to score inside.

The New York Times - Sports

Capello attempted to change the vibe.

The New York Times - Sports

Malusis attempted to keep Russo from talking.

The New Yorker

Then the author attempted to drive.

The New Yorker

French attempted to allay everyone's concerns.

The New Yorker

Betancur attempted to end guerrilla violence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "attempted to" when you want to convey that an action was not necessarily successful. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While grammatically correct, consistently using "attempted to" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "tried to" or "tried and failed to" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempted to" functions as a verbal phrase introducing an infinitive verb. It indicates an action that someone has tried to perform. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attempted to" is a versatile phrase used to describe actions that someone has tried to do. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used in written English. It appears most frequently in "News & Media", "Encyclopedias" and "Science" sources, indicating a neutral to formal register. While "tried to" is a common synonym, "attempted to" often suggests a more deliberate effort. Be mindful of the context, and consider simpler alternatives for more casual writing. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its consistent use across various reliable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

endeavored to

Similar in meaning but slightly more formal.

tried to

A more direct and common alternative.

sought to

Implies a determined effort to achieve something.

aimed to

Suggests a specific goal or target.

strived to

Emphasizes the effort and struggle involved.

undertook to

Indicates a commitment to begin a task.

set out to

Highlights the initial intention or plan.

aspired to

Implies a strong desire or ambition.

essayed to

A less common, more literary alternative.

proposed to

Suggests a formal plan or intention.

FAQs

How can I use "attempted to" in a sentence?

"Attempted to" is used to indicate that someone tried to do something. For example, "She "attempted to" bake a cake, but it burned".

What are some alternatives to "attempted to"?

You can use alternatives such as "tried to", "sought to", or "aimed to" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify the outcome after saying someone "attempted to" do something?

While not always necessary, specifying the outcome provides clarity. Saying someone ""attempted to" climb the mountain" implies they may or may not have succeeded. Adding "but failed" makes the outcome clear.

What's the difference between "attempted to" and "tried to"?

While similar, "attempted to" often suggests a more formal or deliberate effort than "tried to". "Tried to" is generally more common in everyday speech.