attempts to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempts to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing efforts or endeavors to achieve something. Example: "The researcher attempts to find a solution to the problem of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He attempts to order.

The New Yorker

Stephanie attempts to stop him.

The New Yorker

FIDE's attempts to intervene failed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Attempts to dissect it are welcome.

The Economist

The book attempts to answer that question.

The New Yorker

Attempts to reinvent Michigan have moved fitfully.

The Economist

Attempts to regain control were repelled.

Independent

Several made pitiful attempts to escape.

The New York Times

There are frequent attempts to kill him.

The Economist

Attempts to reach Fang Di were unsuccessful.

The New York Times

Attempts to reach Blazer were unsuccessful.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "attempts to" when you want to describe a deliberate effort to achieve a specific goal, especially when the outcome is uncertain.

Common error

In casual conversation or informal writing, consider using simpler alternatives like "tries to" or "tries to" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempts to" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used as part of a verb phrase. It indicates an action that someone or something is trying to perform. Ludwig AI indicates that this construction is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "attempts to" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to describe efforts or intentions. Ludwig confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts. While it's generally neutral in tone, leaning towards formal, simpler alternatives like "tries to" might be more appropriate for informal settings. Remember to use "attempts to" when emphasizing a deliberate effort, and consider the context to choose the most suitable alternative for your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tries to

This alternative is more informal and direct, implying a simple effort.

endeavors to

This alternative is more formal and suggests a serious or determined effort.

seeks to

This alternative implies a focused and intentional pursuit of a goal.

aims to

This alternative indicates a clear objective or target.

strives to

This alternative suggests a persistent and dedicated effort, often against obstacles.

works to

This alternative emphasizes the active and ongoing nature of the effort.

undertakes to

This alternative is quite formal and indicates a commitment to a task or responsibility.

ventures to

This alternative suggests a willingness to take risks or try something new.

experiments with

This alternative shows the action of trying new approaches.

makes an effort to

This alternative emphasizes the exertion of energy or effort.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "attempts to"?

You can use alternatives like "tries to", "endeavors to", or "aims to depending on the context".

How to use "attempts to" in a sentence?

Use "attempts to" followed by a verb in its base form. For example, "She attempts to solve the problem" or "The company attempts to increase its profits".

Is "attempts to" formal or informal?

"Attempts to" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. In very informal contexts, simpler phrases like "tries to" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "attempts to" and "tries to"?

"Attempts to" often suggests a more deliberate or significant effort than "tries to". While "tries to" is suitable for everyday actions, "attempts to" might be used when the task is challenging or the stakes are high.