attempts to stop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempts to stop" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing efforts made to halt or prevent something from happening. Example: "The organization makes several attempts to stop the spread of misinformation online."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Stephanie attempts to stop him.

The New Yorker

The group's previous attempts to stop the plant failed.

The New York Times

One of the astronauts, discovering the plot, attempts to stop Hal.

Yale University

The downloading recurred in October and December, and bypassed MIT's attempts to stop it.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Their game gets faster, and some reckon gets more cynical in attempts to stop the strikers.

The New York Times - Sports

But his attempts to stop or at least defer them are sporadic.

The Economist

However, their attempts to stop the song failed, and Tosh became internationally famous.

Independent

But mispricing does not justify crime.So far, attempts to stop online piracy have largely failed.

The Economist

Attempts to stop cheating were so stringent that even metal bra clasps were banned.

Independent

And with an uninterrupted flow of campaign money will come more attempts to stop it.

The New York Times

P21 Daily Express Olivia Newton-John furious that attempts to stop biopic have failed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attempts to stop", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being stopped and the methods used in the attempts. Be specific about the target of the attempts to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice when describing "attempts to stop". Instead of saying "Attempts were made to stop the process", use "They attempted to stop the process" for a more direct and impactful sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempts to stop" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It indicates the action of trying to prevent something. Ludwig examples show it used to describe various preventive actions in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “attempts to stop” is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe efforts made to prevent something. As Ludwig AI confirmed, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, especially in News & Media. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the context specifies what is being stopped. While alternatives like "efforts to prevent" or "actions to thwart" exist, “attempts to stop” is direct and widely understood. Avoid passive voice for more impactful writing. This phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal communication, making it a reliable choice for expressing preventive actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

efforts to prevent

Focuses on prevention as the primary action, changing the verb.

measures to impede

Emphasizes hindering progress, introducing a slightly different nuance.

actions to thwart

Highlights the act of frustrating or defeating a plan or endeavor.

steps to counteract

Suggests an action taken to neutralize or offset something.

moves to suppress

Implies a forceful effort to restrain or subdue.

bids to obstruct

Indicates an attempt to block or hinder progress.

campaigns to halt

Highlights a series of actions aimed at bringing something to a standstill.

strategies for curbing

Focuses on restraining or controlling something, particularly negative trends.

interventions to preclude

Implies acting in advance to prevent something from happening.

dissuasions to inhibit

Emphasizes discouraging or restraining actions.

FAQs

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

Use "attempts to stop" to describe efforts aimed at preventing something. For example, "The government made several "attempts to stop" the spread of the virus".

What are some alternatives to "attempts to stop"?

You can use alternatives such as "efforts to prevent", "measures to impede", or "actions to thwart", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "attempts to stop" or "attempt at stopping"?

"Attempts to stop" is generally more concise and direct. "Attempt at stopping" can sound awkward. "Attempts to stop" is the preferred phrasing in most contexts.

What's the difference between "attempts to stop" and "efforts to stop"?

"Attempts to stop" and "efforts to stop" are largely interchangeable. "Efforts" might imply a more sustained or coordinated action, but the difference is often negligible.