attempts to detect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempts to detect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing efforts or actions taken to identify or discover something, often in a scientific or technical context. Example: "The research team attempts to detect any anomalies in the data collected during the experiment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Early work focused on attempts to detect outbreaks (early event detection) by using broadly defined syndromes (e.g., respiratory syndrome) based on chief complaints and diagnoses.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Most attempts to detect future delinquents have failed, however.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An informative, easy-to-read account of scientists' attempts to detect and measure gravitational waves.

The New York Times - Books

Other discussions on the fringe of the most immediate issue — "to go or not to go" — are usually attempts to detect a pattern, if one exists.

The New York Times

The protocol periodically attempts to detect new nodes in the forwarding area.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

As is well known, attempts to detect the Earth's velocity in the aether were unsuccessful.

SEP

In both cases, attempts to detect cracks in a global framework were used.

Advances in Engineering Software

It then attempts to detect anomalies in outgoing emails and warns users about potential mistakes before an email is sent.

TechCrunch

Contrary to IEEE 802.15.4, PRA attempts to detect loss of connectivity preemptively, i.e., before the actual loss occurs.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Collins' main case concerns attempts to detect gravitational waves, which were very controversially discussed among physicists in the 1970s.

SEP

Great efforts and expense have been expended in attempts to detect genetic polymorphisms contributing to susceptibility to complex human disease.

The Lancet

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing scientifically or technically, use "attempts to detect" to clearly convey the effort made to identify something. For broader contexts, consider more general terms like "tries to find".

Common error

Avoid using "attempts to detect" in casual conversations. It sounds overly formal. Instead, use simpler phrases like "try to find" or "look for".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempts to detect" functions as a noun phrase followed by an infinitive, indicating the action or effort made to identify something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

79%

News & Media

12%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "attempts to detect" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe efforts made in identifying or discovering something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it commonly appears in scientific and technical contexts. While versatile, "attempts to detect" leans towards a formal register, making it less suitable for casual conversations. Alternatives such as ""efforts to identify"" or ""tries to identify"" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. Its consistent usage and prevalence in academic and news sources highlight its reliability and clarity in conveying the intent to identify or discover.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

efforts to identify

Replaces "attempts" with "efforts", emphasizing the exertion made.

endeavors to discover

Substitutes "attempts" with "endeavors" and "detect" with "discover", offering a more formal tone.

seeks to find

Uses "seeks" to convey the active pursuit of finding something.

tries to identify

Replaces "attempts" with "tries", indicating a simpler effort.

actions to discern

Emphasizes the actions taken to distinguish or recognize something.

investigations aimed at detecting

Highlights the investigative nature of the detection process.

quests for discovery

Emphasizes the exploratory nature of seeking new information.

experiments designed to detect

Highlights the experimental design involved in the detection process.

measures taken to identify

Focuses on the specific actions implemented for identification.

search for identification

Highlights the active search involved in the identification process.

FAQs

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

You can use "attempts to detect" to describe efforts made to identify or discover something, as in "The scientists' "attempts to detect" gravitational waves were finally successful."

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

You can use alternatives like "efforts to identify", "seeks to find", or "tries to identify" depending on the context.

Is "attempts to detect" formal or informal?

"Attempts to detect" is generally considered formal and suitable for scientific, technical, or professional writing. Simpler phrases are more appropriate for informal contexts.

What is the difference between "attempts to detect" and "trying to detect"?

"Attempts to detect" emphasizes a series of efforts or a sustained endeavor, whereas "trying to detect" simply indicates an ongoing effort or process. The former implies more structured or organized efforts.