attempted to take

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempted to take" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an effort or attempt to acquire or seize something. Example: "The suspect attempted to take the valuable painting from the gallery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She attempted to take her own life.

The Guardian

The United Nations has attempted to take wartime rape seriously.

The New York Times

Now Yankees fans attempted to take over Oriole Park.

The New York Times

The defendants attempted to take advantage of Florida's pre-suit discovery statute, Fla .Stat.

Harvard University

A Romanian teenager died when she attempted to take the "ultimate selfie".

Independent

Nevertheless, on May 25th, Argentina's national day, Mr de la Rua attempted to take the offensive.

The Economist

The road map originally attempted to take the best elements from previous failed peace plans.

The Economist

He attempted to take his life but failed and was arraigned as a war criminal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

John's forces were routed by Theodore when they attempted to take Adrianople later that year.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Riots in July, which the Bolsheviks attempted to take control of, nearly toppled the government.

The New York Times

He said the helicopter had attempted to take off moments before.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attempted to take", ensure the context clearly indicates what was being attempted and why. Providing specific details enhances clarity and reader understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "attempted to take" when the action was completed successfully. Instead, use verbs like "took", "acquired", or "seized" to reflect the actual outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempted to take" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action that someone or something tried to perform. As Ludwig AI indicates, it implies an effort or endeavor, although the success of the action is not guaranteed. Examples from Ludwig show the phrase used in various contexts, from political actions to personal endeavors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "attempted to take" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe an action that was initiated but not necessarily completed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, from news reporting to scientific research. It is considered to be neutral in register and is commonly found in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about the intended action and its outcome, avoiding its use when the action was fully successful. Consider using alternatives like "tried to seize" or "sought to acquire" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tried to seize

Focuses on the act of seizing something, implying a more forceful or direct attempt.

sought to acquire

Emphasizes the desire to obtain or gain possession of something, often in a more formal or strategic manner.

endeavored to capture

Suggests a determined and persistent effort to gain control or possession.

aimed to secure

Implies a specific goal of making something safe or certain, often through careful planning.

made an effort to grab

Highlights the exertion of energy in attempting to take something quickly or forcefully.

worked to obtain

Focuses on the effort and process involved in acquiring something through labor or dedication.

strove to take hold of

Emphasizes the struggle and determination in attempting to grasp or gain control of something.

pursued the acquisition of

Highlights a dedicated and continuous effort toward the goal of acquiring something.

undertook to assume

Suggests a deliberate and formal effort to take on a responsibility or role.

set out to confiscate

Highlights the intention to officially seize or appropriate something, often with legal authority.

FAQs

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

Use "attempted to take" to describe an action someone tried to do, but may or may not have succeeded in. For example, "The company "attempted to take" over its rival, but the deal fell through".

What can I say instead of "attempted to take"?

You can use alternatives like "tried to seize", "sought to acquire", or "endeavored to capture" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "attempted at taking" instead of "attempted to take"?

While "attempted at taking" isn't grammatically incorrect, ""attempted to take"" is more common and generally preferred in most contexts.

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

"Attempted to take" and "tried to take" are very similar, but "attempted" often implies a more formal or deliberate effort than "tried". They are largely interchangeable in many situations.