attempting to do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempting to do" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an effort or endeavor to accomplish a specific task or goal. Example: "She is attempting to do her best in the competition despite the challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And that's what we're attempting to do".

The New York Times

What I was attempting to do was exactly the opposite.

The New York Times - Magazine

"But that is not what we are attempting to do.

The New York Times

The newer BostonNOW is attempting to do the same thing.

The Economist

What we're attempting to do is restore liberty".

The New York Times

Opinions differ as to what Myners was attempting to do.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some are still attempting to do that peacefully.

The Guardian

The UNODC is already attempting to do this.

The Guardian

This is exactly what Summer and her team are attempting to do.

The New York Times

They were attempting to do the same thing that Twyla Tharp did with "Movin' Out".

The New York Times

"This is another example of Governor Christie attempting to do education reform without input from educators".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "attempting to do" when you want to emphasize the effort being made, regardless of the success of the action. It's suitable for describing ongoing or incomplete actions.

Common error

While synonyms like "endeavoring to" or "seeking to" might seem appropriate, they can sound stilted in everyday conversation. Stick to "attempting to do" or "trying to do" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempting to do" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase to describe an action that someone is in the process of undertaking. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

22%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attempting to do" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the process of undertaking an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It is frequently used in News & Media and Science contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When choosing alternatives, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, with "trying to do" being a simple and often interchangeable option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trying to accomplish

Focuses more on the completion or achievement of a task.

seeking to execute

Implies a more formal or planned approach to carrying out a task.

endeavoring to perform

Suggests a diligent and earnest effort to complete something.

working towards achieving

Highlights the progress being made in reaching a specific goal.

aiming to complete

Emphasizes the intention and direction toward finishing a task.

striving to undertake

Indicates a considerable effort to begin or engage in something.

setting out to do

Suggests a deliberate start or plan to accomplish something.

planning to execute

Focuses on the planned actions to achieve a desired outcome.

making an effort to

Highlights the exertion of energy to accomplish something, regardless of the outcome.

undertaking to perform

Indicates a formal commitment to carry out a specific action.

FAQs

What's a simple substitute for "attempting to do"?

A straightforward alternative is "trying to do", which conveys the same meaning in most contexts.

When is it most appropriate to use "attempting to do"?

It's suitable when you want to emphasize the effort being made or the process involved, regardless of whether the action is successful or completed. Use it when showing the effort or action.

How does "attempting to do" differ from "managing to do"?

"Attempting to do" indicates an effort, while "managing to do" implies successful completion despite challenges. If you use "managing to do" the action has already been achieved.

Is "attempting to do" more formal than "trying to do"?

While both are acceptable, "attempting to do" can be perceived as slightly more formal than "trying to do". The difference in formality is usually minimal.