attempting to determine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempting to determine" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the process of trying to find out or establish something, often in a formal or analytical context. Example: "The researchers are attempting to determine the effects of the new drug on patient recovery times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We will be attempting to determine if any criminal conduct occurred," Mr. Soccio said.

The New York Times

The budgeteers took a hyper-rational approach, attempting to determine policy and leave the politics and spin for later.

The New Yorker

The latter has prompted articles in the Israeli media attempting to determine the precise colour of his favoured dye wash.

The Guardian

The regulator is still attempting to determine whether it met the definition of "unauthorised gambling" under Victorian gaming law.

The Guardian - Games

Knowledge Level: At this level the teacher is attempting to determine whether the students can recognize and recall information.

Britannica

Without attempting to determine his net worth — I'm hardly that deft a reporter — I knew that it was a fraction of whatever he claimed.

The New Yorker

A spokesman said the United States Command was attempting to determine ex actly what was said and that a statement probably would be made later.

The New York Times

Mr. O'Leary said investigators were attempting to determine why the elderly man was arguing with the token clerk, who was not identified.

The New York Times

Grand is instead attempting to determine the behavior of his creatures through the arrangement and interactions of simple virtual neurons, enzymes, receptors, and genes.

MIT Technology Review

We are also attempting to determine if glyphosate's known ability to suppress host plant defense mechanisms may be contributing to outbreaks of various canker diseases.

Cornell University

The discovery of this almost ubiquitous ~10um silicate feature, led to many laboratory studies of potential cosmic dust analogs attempting to determine the exact nature of this dust.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attempting to determine", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being investigated. Clarity improves readability and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "attempting to determine" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "trying to find out" or "figuring out" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempting to determine" functions as a gerund phrase, often used to describe an action or process that is underway. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

33%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attempting to determine" is a grammatically sound and frequently used gerund phrase that effectively conveys an ongoing effort to discover or establish something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in written English. Its formality ranges from neutral to formal, fitting well within academic, scientific, and news contexts. While versatile, simpler alternatives might be preferable in casual conversations. Understanding its nuances and appropriate use cases can enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trying to ascertain

Emphasizes discovering something with certainty.

seeking to establish

Focuses on proving or validating a fact or concept.

endeavoring to discover

Suggests a more formal and diligent effort to find something out.

working to figure out

Offers a more casual way to express the act of solving or understanding something.

aiming to clarify

Implies an attempt to make something clearer or easier to understand.

looking to resolve

Suggests trying to find a solution to a problem or question.

exploring avenues to understand

Highlights the investigative process of trying to gain knowledge.

in the process of finding out

Highlights that the action of obtaining information is still happening.

investigating to conclude

Suggests the investigation is focused on obtaining a conclusion.

studying to reveal

Implies the act of studying with the intention of finding or uncovering information.

FAQs

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

Use "attempting to determine" when describing a formal or investigative process of trying to find out or establish something. For instance, "The scientists are attempting to determine the cause of the outbreak."

What are some alternatives to "attempting to determine"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "trying to ascertain", "seeking to establish", or "working to figure out".

Is it better to say "attempting to determine" or "trying to determine"?

"Attempting to determine" is more formal than "trying to determine". The best choice depends on the context; "attempting" is suitable for professional or academic writing, while "trying" is appropriate for more casual settings.

What's the difference between "attempting to determine" and "investigating to conclude"?

"Attempting to determine" suggests an ongoing effort to find something out, while "investigating to conclude" emphasizes a more structured process aimed at reaching a specific conclusion.