attempts to resist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempts to resist" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing efforts made by someone or something to oppose or withstand a force or influence. Example: "Despite the overwhelming odds, she makes several attempts to resist the temptation to give up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

A tolerant predator always harbors the parasite population whereas the resistant one attempts to resist or eliminate the parasite.

BMC Ecology

Our attempts to resist were useless.

The New York Times

She attempts to resist her attackers but appears��to be either drunk or drugged.

Independent

Tasmanian attempts to resist were met with the superior weaponry and force of the Europeans.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gerda, confused and despairing, attempts to resist her heterosexual attraction to Lili's fictional childhood friend Hans (Matthias Schoenaerts).

The Guardian - Film

Curtis McCarty, a member of the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission and a builder himself, said the twister on Monday would have defeated attempts to resist it above ground.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

The indigenous peoples of the Great Basin attempted to resist colonial encroachment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His attempt to resist eating a sausage in the first act is a masterclass in facial expressions.

Independent

An official said inmates in two cellblocks rose up in an attempt to resist a security sweep.

The New York Times

At lunch, he proffered one theory — that his stories were an attempt to resist "the identification of materialism with nihilism".

The New Yorker

Hezekiah (c. 715 c. 686 bce), lured by promises of Egyptian aid, attempted to resist Assyria but was defeated and compelled to pay a crushing tribute.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you use the phrase, specify whether the attempts were successful or unsuccessful to provide a complete picture of the situation.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences passively (e.g., 'Attempts to resist were made'). Instead, use active voice to make your writing more direct and engaging (e.g., 'The protestors attempted to resist the eviction').

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempts to resist" functions as a verbal phrase indicating actions taken to oppose or withstand something. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attempts to resist" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to describe actions taken in opposition to a force or influence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating its suitability for both formal and informal writing. When using this phrase, ensure that you clearly specify what is being resisted and whether the attempts were successful to provide a comprehensive understanding of the situation. While seemingly straightforward, understanding its nuances and employing best practices can enhance your writing and ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tries to withstand

Focuses on enduring or holding out against something, rather than actively opposing it.

makes efforts to oppose

Emphasizes the exertion of energy to counteract something.

endeavors to fight back

Suggests a more active and forceful opposition.

seeks to thwart

Implies a strategic effort to prevent something from succeeding.

struggles to counteract

Highlights the difficulty and effort involved in neutralizing something.

undertakes to challenge

Suggests a deliberate questioning or confrontation of something.

takes steps to impede

Implies actions aimed at slowing down or obstructing something.

works to counteract

Focuses on active effort to neutralize effects.

makes a stand against

Implies a firm and public declaration of opposition.

fights to repel

Emphasizes forceful action to ward off an attack or intrusion.

FAQs

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

You can use "attempts to resist" to describe situations where someone or something is actively trying to oppose or withstand a force or influence. For example: "Despite the overwhelming odds, she made several "attempts to resist" the temptation to give up."

What are some alternatives to using "attempts to resist"?

Alternatives include "tries to withstand", "makes efforts to oppose", or "endeavors to fight back", depending on the context and the level of formality you require.

Is it better to say "attempts at resisting" or "attempts to resist"?

"Attempts to resist" is generally preferred over "attempts at resisting" because it is more concise and direct. The infinitive form "to resist" is often more natural and common in this context.

What's the difference between "attempts to resist" and "struggles against"?

"Attempts to resist" focuses on the actions taken to oppose something, while "struggles against" emphasizes the overall difficulty and ongoing effort in opposing something. "Struggles against" often implies a prolonged or difficult situation.