attempting to open

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempting to open" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an effort or action to access or initiate something, such as a file, door, or application. Example: "She is attempting to open the locked door with a key."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

In August, three passengers on a train from Amsterdam to Paris subdued a gunman attempting to open fire.

Independent

You can argue that Mets fans were attempting to open the door, to extend an olive branch to Delgado.

The New York Times - Sports

A growing number of entrepreneurs and their sponsors are attempting to open up the final frontier, taking private enterprise and competition into space (see article).

The Economist

Maurice Ouma, who made 16, Seren Waters (17) and Tikolo (13) tried to dig in but departed attempting to open up with the run rate mounting.

The Guardian - Sport

Bernstein's project is called Million Dollar Bat, and there is no denying that he and Fountain are attempting to open up a potentially gigantic market.

The Guardian - Sport

The club's lawyer, Michael Murray of Cleveland, said that the club's owner, whom he refused to identify, "is attempting to open an upscale, well-appointed, inoffensive, unobtrusive club.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Andrew Hessel, the Singularity University faculty member on biotech who is attempting to open-source cancer treatments, talks about how biology is the next exponential technology.

The Guardian - Tech

Further attempts to open up bidding proved fruitless.

The New York Times

She was not the first in her family to attempt to open closed societal doors.

The New York Times - Sports

But some attempts to open a dialogue with viewers have been a little odd.

The Economist

An Attempt to Open Up On paper, much of Japan's power industry has been deregulated in the past decade.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attempting to open", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being opened (e.g. "attempting to open a door", "attempting to open a file").

Common error

In many cases, simpler alternatives like "trying to open" or even just "opening" can be more concise and effective. Reserve "attempting to open" for situations where the effort or difficulty is emphasized.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempting to open" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as part of a verb phrase to describe an action in progress. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attempting to open" is a versatile and frequently used gerund phrase that describes an ongoing effort to access or initiate something. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is grammatically correct and appears across diverse contexts from News & Media to Science and Wiki. While "trying to open" serves as a simple synonym, "attempting to open" often emphasizes the effort or difficulty involved. When incorporating this phrase into your writing, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and ensure clarity regarding what is being opened. Be mindful of the context to avoid using it when a simpler alternative suffices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trying to open

Uses a more common and general verb.

seeking to open

Implies a more deliberate and purposeful effort.

endeavoring to open

Suggests a more formal and earnest attempt.

working to open

Emphasizes the effort and labor involved.

aiming to open

Highlights the intention and goal.

planning to open

Focuses on the preparatory stage of opening.

intending to open

Similar to aiming but emphasizes a mental state.

moving to open

Indicates a step-by-step approach to opening.

managing to open

Focuses on the success, if it exists, of opening.

plotting to open

Suggests a covert planning to open.

FAQs

What does "attempting to open" mean?

The phrase "attempting to open" means trying to access or initiate something, like a door, a file, or a business. It emphasizes the act of trying to do so, often suggesting some level of effort or difficulty.

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

You can use alternatives like "trying to open", "seeking to open", or even just "opening" depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "attempting to open"?

Use "attempting to open" when you want to emphasize the effort being made or the difficulty involved in the act of opening something. For instance, "He was attempting to open a complex file" suggests more effort than "He opened the file".

Which is correct: "attempting to open" or "attempting opening"?

"Attempting to open" is generally the correct and more common phrasing. "Attempting opening" is grammatically awkward and not typically used. Stick to "attempting to open" for clarity and proper usage.