attempting to demonstrate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempting to demonstrate" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe an action or effort to show or prove something. Here is an example: "I am attempting to demonstrate the effectiveness of our new marketing strategy through data analysis and case studies." In this sentence, the speaker is expressing their intention to show or prove the success of their marketing strategy through specific methods.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We're attempting to demonstrate that New York isn't anybody's town.

The New York Times - Sports

Now, the company's scientists are attempting to demonstrate the fundamentally quantum-mechanical nature of their device.

MIT Technology Review

"They were attempting to demonstrate they were 'tough on felons.' But morally these are people who have paid their dues".

The New York Times

Yet the final feat of a male actor attempting to demonstrate his testosterone level is to show how comfortable he is with his feminine side.

The New York Times - Magazine

A policeman in Pakistan accidentally exploded a bomb in an anti-terrorism court after attempting to demonstrate a grenade detonator to the judge.

The Guardian

It struck him, too late, that he was attempting to demonstrate that he wasn't a man from the moon by detailing the moon's topology, cataloguing its hollows.

The New Yorker

But, in attempting to demonstrate that scurrilous, satirical journalism had its origins in Anne's reign, Edmundson devalues the literary figures of the age such as Swift and Defoe.

The Guardian

Dennis C. Blair, the director of national intelligence, told reporters last month, "North Korea is attempting to demonstrate an ICBM capability through a space launch".

The New York Times

Meanwhile, in Washington, the Democratic leadership was attempting to demonstrate that Mr. Gramm had been punished for breaking his word, not for his conservatism.

The New York Times

It still isn't clear how that happened or what precisely Alexander was attempting to demonstrate about gun safety in his class on the administration of justice.

The Washington Post

The Trump White House on Monday night, attempting to demonstrate that the media had ignored terrorism, released a list of 78 "underreported" attacks.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "attempting to demonstrate" when you want to express a clear, intentional effort to prove or showcase something, especially with supporting evidence or reasoning. This phrase conveys a sense of purpose and effort.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "attempting to demonstrate" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "trying to show" or "trying to prove" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempting to demonstrate" functions as a present participle phrase often acting as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun, or as part of a continuous verb tense. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is used to describe an ongoing effort to prove or show something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attempting to demonstrate" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that expresses an active effort to prove or showcase something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. It is most commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, and while versatile, it can come across as overly formal in casual settings. Consider using simpler alternatives like "trying to show" or "trying to prove" for informal communication. When aiming for formality and precision, "attempting to demonstrate" is an excellent choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trying to demonstrate

Changes 'attempting' to 'trying', a more common and slightly less formal synonym.

seeking to demonstrate

Replaces 'attempting' with 'seeking', suggesting a more purposeful or deliberate effort.

aiming to demonstrate

Substitutes 'attempting' for 'aiming', focusing on the intention or goal of the action.

endeavoring to demonstrate

Uses 'endeavoring' instead of 'attempting', implying a more earnest or sustained effort.

working to demonstrate

Replaces 'attempting' with 'working', highlighting the active process of trying to show something.

in an effort to demonstrate

Adds a prepositional phrase to emphasize the purpose behind the attempt.

with the intention of demonstrating

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the intention behind the demonstration.

undertaking to demonstrate

Uses 'undertaking' instead of 'attempting', suggesting a more formal or significant endeavor.

setting out to demonstrate

Replaces 'attempting' with 'setting out', implying a deliberate start to the process of demonstrating.

trying to prove

Simplifies the phrase by using 'trying' and 'prove' instead of 'attempting' and 'demonstrate'.

FAQs

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

You can use "attempting to demonstrate" to describe an effort to prove a point, show a skill, or provide evidence for something. For example, "The scientist is attempting to demonstrate a new theory with experimental data."

What are some alternatives to "attempting to demonstrate"?

You can use alternatives like "trying to demonstrate", "aiming to demonstrate", or "seeking to demonstrate" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "attempting to demonstrate" formal or informal?

"Attempting to demonstrate" leans towards the formal side, but it's suitable for news, academic writing, and professional contexts. In more casual settings, consider using simpler alternatives.

What's the difference between "attempting to demonstrate" and "trying to demonstrate"?

While similar, "attempting to demonstrate" suggests a more structured and deliberate effort than "trying to demonstrate", which can imply a more general or exploratory approach.