attempts to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempts to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone's efforts to achieve a certain state or quality, often in relation to behavior or identity. Example: "She attempts to be more organized this year by using a planner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No fireworks here or attempts to be different.

The New York Times - Food

Furious, he made repeated unsuccessful attempts to be expelled.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And attempts to be too tidy are dangerous.

The Guardian

Attempts to be playful a virtue of Miss McConnell's draft.

The New Yorker

He attempts to be friendly, but Julien is wary.

The New York Times

Occasionally he mustered feeble attempts to be receptive.

The New York Times

None of these attempts to be reasonable made a difference.

The New York Times

Such attempts to be relevant aren't convincing, though.

The New York Times

He makes many attempts to be admitted, and wearies the doorkeeper by his importunity.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Genesis is punctuated with human attempts to be radically self-sufficient.

The New York Times - Books

The drunken Nick Adams's hilarious attempts to be "practical" in The Three Day Blow.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "attempts to be" to clearly convey the effort being made, especially when the outcome is uncertain or not yet achieved. For example: "The company's attempts to be more eco-friendly are commendable."

Common error

Avoid using "attempts to be" when the success is already confirmed or guaranteed. Instead, use a more definitive phrase like "is" or "has become".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempts to be" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used to express purpose or intention. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes efforts made towards achieving a certain state or quality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "attempts to be" is a grammatically sound and commonly used infinitive phrase to describe efforts toward a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability. It appears most frequently in news and media, academic writing, and scientific contexts, lending itself to neutral and somewhat formal communication. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the effort being described, and avoid using it when success is already guaranteed. Consider related phrases like "striving to be" or "seeking to be" for nuanced variations. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively incorporate "attempts to be" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

striving to be

Emphasizes continuous effort and aspiration.

trying to become

Focuses on the process of transformation.

seeking to be

Highlights the act of actively looking or aiming for something.

aiming to be

Suggests a specific target or goal.

endeavoring to be

Implies a serious and determined effort.

aspiring to be

Highlights ambition and a desire for advancement.

working towards being

Focuses on the active process of development.

making an effort to be

Emphasizes the exertion of energy and resources.

doing one's best to be

Highlights personal commitment and dedication.

setting out to be

Implies a deliberate and planned intention.

FAQs

How can I use "attempts to be" in a sentence?

Use "attempts to be" to describe efforts made towards achieving a particular state or quality. For example, "The organization's "attempts to be" transparent were met with skepticism."

What can I say instead of "attempts to be"?

You can use alternatives like "striving to be", "trying to become", or "seeking to be" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "attempts to be" or "attempts at being"?

"Attempts to be" is generally preferred when followed by an adjective or noun that describes a desired state. "Attempts at being" is used before a gerund (verb ending in -ing) when describing an activity. For example, "attempts at being helpful".

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

"Attempts to be" often implies a more formal or serious effort, while "tries to be" is more casual. Both convey an effort toward a specific goal, but "attempts to be" can suggest a higher degree of intentionality or planning.