endeavouring to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "endeavouring to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate an attempt or effort at trying to do something. For example: "John was endeavouring to complete the project by the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This it is endeavouring to do.

The Economist

Both men are now endeavouring to stay out of the count.

The Economist

Keats was not undertaking the awe-inspiring task of endeavouring to translate Homer.

The Economist

At last it is beginning to resemble a government endeavouring to wield power.

The Economist

Observe Moominmamma endeavouring to climb a rope ladder while hanging on to her handbag.

The Guardian - Books

And I think that's what Dr Henkel is endeavouring to address.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Firefighters will be endeavouring to save any items they can - but no survivals are confirmed".

The Guardian

And endeavouring to offer something for everyone, our Books pages review Bruce Springsteen's autobiography.

The Guardian

Human Rights Watch said Australia was doing the "unthinkable" by endeavouring to return Syrians.

The Guardian

So we are endeavouring to be entrepreneurial and find people who need our expertise.

The Guardian

Yet in endeavouring to explain Londonderry he is occasionally too indulgent towards him.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "endeavouring to" when you want to convey a sense of formal effort or commitment towards a specific goal. It adds a slightly elevated tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "endeavouring to" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Simpler alternatives like "trying to" or "attempting to" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "endeavouring to" functions as a purpose infinitive, indicating an intention or aim. This follows the findings of Ludwig, which confirms its correct usage in written English to express effort toward achieving something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "endeavouring to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that signifies an attempt or effort to achieve something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for written English and conveys a sense of formal commitment. While it is very common across diverse contexts like News & Media and Science, it is most appropriate for formal settings. For informal communication, simpler alternatives may be preferred. Remember to consider the formality of your context when choosing between "endeavouring to" and its more common synonyms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempting to

Uses a more common and straightforward verb for trying.

trying to

Simplifies the expression with a very common alternative.

striving to

Emphasizes effort and determination in the attempt.

seeking to

Highlights the act of looking for or aiming towards a goal.

aiming to

Focuses on the intention or objective of the effort.

working to

Implies active engagement and labor towards a goal.

aspiring to

Suggests a higher level of ambition or desire.

undertaking to

Highlights the commitment to a specific task or responsibility.

labouring to

Emphasizes the difficulty and exertion involved.

endeavour to

Removes the continuous aspect, presenting a general intention.

FAQs

What does "endeavouring to" mean?

"Endeavouring to" means trying or attempting to do something. It implies a dedicated effort toward a particular goal.

How can I use "endeavouring to" in a sentence?

You can use "endeavouring to" to describe an ongoing effort. For example, "The team is "endeavouring to" complete the project by the deadline."

What can I say instead of "endeavouring to"?

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

Is "endeavouring to" more formal than "trying to"?

Yes, "endeavouring to" is generally considered more formal than "trying to". It's suitable for professional or academic writing where a more elevated tone is desired.