attempting to have

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempting to have" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an effort or endeavor to obtain or achieve something. Example: "She is attempting to have a successful career in the arts despite the challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She is attempting to have it all.

Independent

In short, ministers are attempting to have it both ways.

The Guardian

Attempting to have it all can also mean putting everything at risk.

The New York Times

They will also focus attention on attempting to have same-sex marriage accepted federally.

The Guardian

The bench heard a range of arguments from 10 convicted rioters attempting to have their sentences reduced.

Independent

Nottingham Sea Cadets condemned the use of the photograph and had been attempting to have the image removed.

Independent

Note, however, that Cher's seduction techniques – showing skin, attempting to "have something baking" when a date comes round – don't work.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Arguedas also criticized the agency for attempting to have Montgomery respond to "'anticipated" testimony from unidentified witnesses.

The New York Times - Sports

Now, with public clamor growing, the House (including most of the Republican members) is attempting to have the law reversed.

The New York Times

Roskop recounted her evening with Sheen, which included "tennis-ball-size" hunks of cocaine and attempting to have sex.

The New Yorker

Between my job, the PhD, volunteering, and attempting to have a life, it feels like I never quite switch off".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attempting to have", ensure the context clearly indicates the desired outcome or object being pursued. For example, "attempting to have a productive meeting" clarifies the intention.

Common error

Avoid using "attempting to have" in overly passive constructions. Instead of "an agreement is being attempted to have", opt for the more direct "they are attempting to have an agreement".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempting to have" functions as a gerund phrase, typically acting as a noun or part of a verb phrase. It describes the action of making an effort to possess or experience something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attempting to have" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to describe the action of trying to achieve or possess something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is common across various contexts, with a tendency towards news and media, wiki and scientific publications. While generally neutral in tone, it can be replaced with alternatives like "trying to obtain" or "seeking to gain" depending on the desired level of formality. When writing, it's important to avoid passive constructions and clearly define the intended outcome. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "attempting to have" to convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trying to obtain

Replaces "attempting" with "trying", which is a more common and slightly less formal term. "Obtain" directly addresses the action of getting something.

aiming to acquire

"Aiming" focuses on the intention or goal, while "acquire" stresses the act of gaining possession.

seeking to gain

"Seeking" emphasizes the active pursuit, while "gain" implies acquisition or benefit.

working towards achieving

"Working towards" suggests a gradual process, and "achieving" specifies the successful completion of a goal.

endeavoring to secure

"Endeavoring" indicates a serious and determined effort; "secure" highlights the aim of making something certain.

striving to realize

"Striving" implies considerable effort and struggle, while "realize" highlights the bringing into being of something.

pursuing the possibility of

This phrase emphasizes the act of following or chasing a potential outcome.

making an effort to possess

Highlights the exertion involved in trying to achieve ownership.

trying for

More concise and informal; implies an attempt with less detail about the specific outcome.

looking to get

An informal alternative emphasizing the intent to receive or obtain something.

FAQs

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

Use "attempting to have" to describe an ongoing effort or process to achieve something. For example, "The company is "attempting to have" the contract renewed" indicates their current efforts to renew the contract.

What are some alternatives to "attempting to have"?

You can use alternatives such as "trying to obtain", "seeking to gain", or "aiming to acquire" depending on the context.

Is "attempting to have" formal or informal?

"Attempting to have" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might consider alternatives like "endeavoring to secure".

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

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "attempting to have" is slightly more formal than "trying to have". "Trying to have" is more common in everyday conversation, whereas ""attempting to have"" may be preferred in more formal writing or speech.