attempting to find

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempting to find" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of trying to locate or discover something. Example: "The researchers are attempting to find a solution to the complex problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many Americans were attempting to find their "real selves".

The New Yorker

They resembled ushers at an Imax fruitlessly attempting to find seats.

Independent

Bowery recommended several sitters, attempting to find models whose dramatic physicality would appeal to him.

Independent

Attempting to find a way to contribute, he grabbed 9 rebounds and blocked 3 shots.

The New York Times - Sports

What are Dr. Taubenberger and Dr. Oxford attempting to find out?

The New York Times

"We were attempting to find the right way to do the inspections".

The New York Times

"We're attempting to find the person who offers the best opportunity to hold the seat.

The New York Times

He later observed a sniffer dog attempting to find drugs in a series of pallets.

The Guardian

Downstairs, Spargo is attempting to find employment as a chauffeur in California.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I'm attempting to find a fraction of an answer to an extremely large question," Mr. Ekman said.

The New York Times - Arts

"What I expect is more stalling and attempting to find ways of maintaining a process with no substance".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attempting to find", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being searched for. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

In casual writing, consider using simpler alternatives like "trying to find" or "looking for" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

Gerund Phrase: "Attempting to find" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI validates the phrase, exhibiting its proper use in various contexts. For example, 'Architects are attempting to find solutions for managing buildings energy consumption.'

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attempting to find" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates an active effort to locate or discover something. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability across diverse contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the tone and choose simpler alternatives like "trying to find" or "looking for" in informal settings. The phrase is particularly prevalent in news, scientific, and formal business domains, as highlighted by Ludwig's analysis of authoritative sources. When using "attempting to find", ensure the context clearly defines what the search is for to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trying to locate

Focuses on the action of trying and the goal of pinpointing a location.

seeking to discover

Emphasizes the search for new knowledge or insights.

searching for

Directly states the act of looking for something.

endeavoring to uncover

Suggests a more formal and persistent effort to reveal something hidden.

in search of

Emphasizes the purpose of the search itself.

striving to identify

Highlights the effort to recognize or establish the identity of something.

looking to find

More informal, but conveys the intention to locate something.

working towards finding

Focuses on the ongoing effort and progress in the search.

aiming to detect

Specifies the intention to notice or discover something, often subtle.

in the process of discovering

Highlights the ongoing nature of the discovery process.

FAQs

What does "attempting to find" mean?

The phrase "attempting to find" means trying to locate, discover, or identify something, implying an effort or process is underway.

What can I say instead of "attempting to find"?

You can use alternatives like "trying to locate", "seeking to discover", or simply "searching for" depending on the context.

Is "attempting to find" formal or informal?

"Attempting to find" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. Simpler options like "looking for" are more informal.

When is it best to use "attempting to find"?

Use "attempting to find" when you want to emphasize the effort or process involved in the search, especially in formal or professional contexts.