attempted to solve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempted to solve" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an effort made to find a solution to a problem or challenge. Example: "The researchers attempted to solve the complex equation that had puzzled mathematicians for decades."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He attempted to solve the problem by adding further requirements.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Many historians (and many writers of mystery and detective stories) have attempted to solve the mystery of his death.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the past decade Riyadh has subsidised Pakistan's oil supply, offered gilded exile to the opposition leader Nawaz Sharif, and even attempted to solve its extremist woes.

The Guardian

He makes an erudite and amiable companion, particularly when he describes some of the more fanciful musical systems that attempted to solve the problem.

The New York Times - Books

This would require applicants to have "a conversation" with the CSA to assure officials that they had attempted to solve the issues outside of statutory services.

The Guardian

The subjects subsequently attempted to solve fewer puzzles than they had after working in a quiet environment; in other words, they became less motivated and less creative.

The New Yorker

"I've attempted to solve the problem using stratigraphy and climate data from all over the Colorado Plateau," Dr. Elston said in an interview.

The New York Times - Science

The Abominable Bride saw the cast of Sherlock jump between Victorian and modern-day London as Holmes attempted to solve an old mystery.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

With municipal bankruptcy, the debtor avoids the fate of Argentina and countless other debtors that have attempted to solve their problems out of court.

The New York Times

There has also been a focusing on the problems facing the country immediately upon independence and how the present government has attempted to solve them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Before Abū Ḥanīfah's time, doctrines had been formulated mainly in response to actual problems, whereas he attempted to solve problems that might arise in the future.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "attempted to solve", ensure the context clearly indicates the problem being addressed and the method or approach used in the attempt.

Common error

Avoid implying a successful resolution when using "attempted to solve" if the problem remains unsolved. Instead, use phrases like "successfully solved" or "resolved" to indicate a completed solution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempted to solve" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action undertaken with the purpose of finding a solution. It describes the effort made to resolve a problem, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attempted to solve" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe actions taken to find solutions to problems. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various domains, particularly in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts. While indicating effort, it doesn't guarantee success. When using this phrase, clarity in specifying the problem and approach is key. For alternatives, consider "tried to resolve" or "sought to solve", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tried to resolve

This alternative is a more direct and common way to express the act of trying to find a solution.

sought to solve

This alternative conveys a more formal or determined effort to find a solution.

endeavored to solve

This alternative suggests a more earnest and prolonged effort towards finding a solution.

aimed to solve

This alternative focuses on the intention or goal of finding a solution.

strived to solve

This alternative implies a strenuous effort to overcome obstacles in finding a solution.

worked to solve

This alternative emphasizes the active process and effort involved in finding a solution.

tackled the problem

This alternative highlights the direct engagement with the problem at hand.

addressed the issue

This alternative broadens the scope to include any effort to deal with a problem, not necessarily solving it completely.

undertook to solve

This alternative suggests a formal commitment to finding a solution to the problem.

made an effort to solve

This alternative is a more general way of expressing that an attempt was made.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "attempted to solve"?

You can use alternatives like "tried to resolve", "sought to solve", or "endeavored to solve" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "attempted at solving"?

While grammatically understandable, "attempted to solve" is more idiomatic and commonly used than "attempted at solving". Using "attempted to solve" generally results in clearer and more natural-sounding English.

How do I use "attempted to solve" in a sentence?

Use "attempted to solve" to describe an effort made to find a resolution for a specific issue or problem. For example: "The team "attempted to solve" the complex equation."

What's the difference between "attempted to solve" and "solved"?

"Attempted to solve" indicates an effort was made, but not necessarily that the problem was resolved. "Solved" implies that the problem was successfully resolved. Therefore, "solved" is a stronger statement than ""attempted to solve"".