attempting to import

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempting to import" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the action of trying to bring in data, files, or resources from one system or location to another. Example: "The software is currently attempting to import the necessary files for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

In 2002 it was also fingered by America for attempting to import materials for enriching uranium.

The Economist

But it is a belief he clings to in the documentary, maintaining that Iraq was attempting to import uranium from Niger.

Independent

With this diagnosis in mind, it is surprising that Graeber doesn't explore recent British experience, which has seen successive Conservative and Labour governments attempting to import an American model of market-driven competition into public services.

The Guardian - Books

McCaugherty was found guilty of attempting to import weapons and explosives.

BBC

On 30 June, two men were convicted of attempting to import weapons and explosives for use by dissident republicans.

BBC

In that case the defendant, Maria Isabel Molina-Isidoro's, cell phone was manually searched at the border, and data from the search was used to support a prosecution for attempting to import methamphetamine into the country.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Jones has nevertheless attempted to import into the courtroom the sound-bite philosophy that has characterized McVeigh's defense.

The New Yorker

Bathing suit manufacturers attempted to import thong bikinis from Brazil a few years ago, but the trend fell flat.

The New York Times - Style

In his ill-fated bid for the leadership of the Labour Party in 2010, David Miliband attempted to import this practice to Britain.

The Economist

El Sistema's international profile can only be expected to grow as top-notch musicians increasingly take an interest in its operations and other countries attempt to import its methods.

The New York Times - Arts

Confronted with the rapid and aggressive expansion of these nation-states newly empowered by industrialization, almost all non-Western civilizations, including China, attempted to import the political, social and economic values of modernism to recreate their own cultures in order to achieve modernization.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an unsuccessful action, use "attempting to import" to highlight the effort made despite the outcome. This emphasizes the endeavor, even if it didn't succeed.

Common error

Avoid using "attempting to import" when the import was successful. Instead, use "importing" to indicate that the action was completed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempting to import" functions as a verb phrase describing an action in progress or an action that was tried but not necessarily completed. Ludwig shows that it modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the subject's effort to bring something into a specific context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "attempting to import" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe an effort to bring something into a particular place, system, or context. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various settings, particularly in news, wiki and scientific content. While "attempting to import" implies an action that may not necessarily be successful, it emphasizes the effort exerted in the process. When a successful import is intended, consider alternatives like "importing" to convey completion. Its frequency and presence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrate its widespread use and acceptance in standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trying to import

Simple synonym, replacing "attempting" with "trying" for a less formal tone.

seeking to import

Replaces "attempting" with "seeking", emphasizing the proactive nature of the effort.

endeavoring to import

A more formal substitute for "attempting", indicating a serious or determined effort.

aiming to import

Focuses on the intention or goal of importing, using "aiming" instead of "attempting".

working to import

Emphasizes the active effort and labor involved in the process of importing.

in the process of importing

Shifts the focus to the ongoing action of importing, rather than just the attempt.

making an effort to import

Explicitly states that an effort is being made, adding emphasis to the attempt.

planning to import

Highlights the planned or anticipated nature of the importing activity.

intending to import

Focuses on the intention or purpose behind the import activity.

undertaking to import

Suggests a formal commitment or responsibility to import.

FAQs

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

You can use "attempting to import" to describe an ongoing or failed effort to bring goods, data, or ideas into a specific location or system. For instance, "The company is "attempting to import" new technology from overseas".

What's the difference between "attempting to import" and "importing"?

"Attempting to import" indicates an effort or try at importing, whether successful or not. "Importing", on the other hand, indicates that the action was successfully completed. For example, "They were "attempting to import" the software, but the download failed", versus "They finished "importing" the software this morning".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "trying to import", "seeking to import", or "endeavoring to import".

Is "attempting to import" formal or informal?

"Attempting to import" is generally considered neutral in tone. While not overly formal, it is suitable for most professional and academic contexts. You can use simpler terms like "trying to import" in more informal settings.