attempts to stem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempts to stem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing efforts to stop or reduce something undesirable, such as a problem or negative trend. Example: "The government has made several attempts to stem the rising tide of unemployment in the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"I am sure and have heard from others that his attempted stock sales were only attempts to stem serious margin calls," Ms. Stewart wrote in the first version.

The New York Times

Attempts to stem the flow have failed.

The New York Times

D.E.A. officials were also thwarted in their attempts to stem drug corruption.

The New York Times

Company leaders worried mainly that attempts to stem overdoses might deprive pain patients of access to the drug.

The New Yorker

Twitter has announced that it will be sacking hundreds of staff, as the company attempts to stem its slowing growth.

Independent

In attempts to stem the surge, European governments have tried in various ways to dissuade desperate Afghans from embarking on the risky journey.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

The policy is an attempt to stem population growth.

The Guardian

The Fed made no attempt to stem the housing bubble.

The Economist

The central bank's attempt to stem the losses, by raising interest rates (more below) failed.

The Guardian - Business

Congress attempted to stem the tide when it adopted the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act ("PSLRA") in 1995.

Harvard University

DAY 43 Shares plunge after attempt to stem oil with robot subs fails.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attempts to stem", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being stopped or reduced. For example, "attempts to stem the spread of misinformation" provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "attempts to stem" when a complete elimination is intended. "Stem" implies slowing or controlling, not eradication. Use "attempts to eliminate" instead if eradication is what you are talking about.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempts to stem" functions as a verb phrase that typically introduces a description of actions taken to control or reduce something undesirable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attempts to stem" is a verb phrase used to describe efforts to control or reduce something negative, such as a problem, issue, or trend. It is deemed grammatically correct and sees frequent use across various reputable sources, as Ludwig AI confirms. Alternative phrases include "efforts to curtail", "measures to control", and "steps to mitigate". When utilizing this phrase, be specific about what you are trying to control and avoid using it when the intent is complete elimination. Its register is neutral to formal, occurring often in news and academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

efforts to curtail

Emphasizes reducing or limiting something, often gradually.

endeavors to curb

Suggests attempts to restrain or check something undesirable.

measures to control

Focuses on specific actions taken to manage or regulate something.

steps to mitigate

Highlights actions taken to lessen the severity of something negative.

actions to suppress

Implies forceful attempts to prevent something from continuing or spreading.

initiatives to halt

Stresses proactive measures to bring something to a stop.

plans to restrain

Highlights organized strategies to keep something under control.

strategies to limit

Focuses on methods used to restrict the extent or amount of something.

tactics to impede

Emphasizes the use of specific methods to hinder progress or development.

interventions to check

Suggests actions taken to interrupt or regulate a process or trend.

FAQs

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

You can use "attempts to stem" to describe efforts to control or reduce something negative, such as "attempts to stem the flow of illegal drugs" or "attempts to stem the decline in sales".

What are some alternatives to "attempts to stem"?

Alternatives include "efforts to curtail", "measures to control", or "steps to mitigate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "attempts to stop" or "attempts to stem"?

"Attempts to stop" is a more general phrase, while "attempts to stem" implies slowing or controlling something that is already in motion. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "attempts to curb" and "attempts to stem"?

Attempts to curb often refers to restraining or checking something, while "attempts to stem" suggests controlling the flow or spread of something. Both are similar, but "stem" emphasizes managing an ongoing process.