attempting to communicate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempting to communicate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the action of trying to convey a message or information to someone. Example: "Despite the noise in the room, she was attempting to communicate her thoughts clearly to the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

If the target community we're attempting to communicate with isn't receiving our message: something about our verbiage is wrong.

Huffington Post

They would already be attempting to communicate with him via the spirit realm, surely.

The Guardian - Opinion

When news organizations protested, the prosecutors warned that Moussaoui was "presumably attempting to communicate" in code with Al Qaeda.

The New Yorker

The emotional finale of the Africa series featured David Attenborough on his hands and knees attempting to communicate with the calf.

Independent

My apologies in advance for the ad at the beginning of the video, but here is Basil Fawlty attempting to communicate with his waiter Manuel: Your thoughts?

The New York Times

If aforementioned recliner IS by the water, it would make it likely that the floor-flipping tiny dancer on her side is actually attempting to communicate by semaphore.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

If the investigators are interested in language and communication, they can attempt to communicate as naturally and informally as possible with their apes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Related: 10 tips for charity impact measurement How charities attempt to communicate this is crucial.

The Guardian

And why do so few organisations even attempt to communicate complexity?

The Guardian

In fact, attempts to communicate private feelings in public are seen as fraught with danger.

The Guardian - Arts

They were used as places of assembly at which a priestly caste would attempt to communicate with supernatural forces.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attempting to communicate", ensure the context clearly indicates who is trying to communicate with whom, and about what. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "attempting to communicate" in highly informal contexts where simpler phrases like "trying to talk" or "getting in touch" are more appropriate. "Attempting to communicate" carries a slightly more formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempting to communicate" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun or part of a verb phrase. It describes the action of trying to convey information. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

37%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attempting to communicate" is a grammatically sound and common phrase used to describe the process of trying to convey information or ideas. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely applicable. Its usage spans across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains, lending itself to a neutral register. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies the parties involved in the communication and the subject matter. While acceptable, avoid using it in very casual situations, where simpler alternatives might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trying to convey

Focuses on the act of transmitting information.

making an effort to express

Emphasizes the exertion involved in articulating something.

seeking to inform

Highlights the intent to provide information.

aiming to articulate

Suggests a focus on clear and precise expression.

endeavoring to impart

Implies a more formal and diligent effort to share something.

working to relate

Focuses on establishing a connection through communication.

striving to get across

Highlights the challenge of making oneself understood.

in the process of conveying

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the communicative act.

hoping to disclose

Highlights the intent to reveal something.

undertaking to share

Suggests a deliberate effort to disseminate information.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "attempting to communicate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "trying to convey", "making an effort to express", or "seeking to inform".

Is "attempting to communicate" formal or informal?

"Attempting to communicate" falls in the neutral to slightly formal register. In very informal settings, consider simpler phrases like "trying to talk".

How can I use "attempting to communicate" in a sentence?

You can use "attempting to communicate" to describe someone's effort to convey a message, for example, "The scientist was attempting to communicate his findings to the public".

What is the difference between "attempting to communicate" and "trying to communicate"?

While both phrases are similar, "attempting to communicate" may imply a more deliberate or challenging effort compared to the more general "trying to communicate".