he attempts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he attempts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone's effort to do something or achieve a goal. Example: "He attempts to solve the complex math problem, but he struggles with the calculations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He attempts to order.

The New Yorker

He attempts to count the eyelashes.

The New Yorker

He attempts to embellish fiction with fact.

The New Yorker

He attempts no 40 yard bicycle kicks.

Independent

He attempts to style us.

The Guardian - Music

He attempts those all the time, it is his trademark.

The New York Times - Sports

He attempts to establish this intentionally, through deception.

Nature

He attempts to soothe when he should scratch.

The New York Times

He attempts to be friendly, but Julien is wary.

The New York Times

And now he attempts to describe the unnamable: "This.

The New York Times - Books

He attempts to get a cross in, but is foiled.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he attempts", ensure the context clearly indicates the goal or objective of the attempt. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While "he attempts" is perfectly acceptable, overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "he tries", "he endeavors" or "he strives" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he attempts" functions as a verbal phrase, indicating an action that someone is trying to perform. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is used to describe the initiation of an action or process, as seen in examples such as "He attempts to soothe when he should scratch".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he attempts" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing someone's effort to perform an action. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, from news and media to encyclopedic entries. While versatile, varying your vocabulary with synonyms like "he tries" or "he endeavors" can enhance your writing style. The phrase’s prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he tries

Focuses on the act of trying, often implying a test of ability or effort.

he makes an effort

Directly states that he is putting in work, stressing the exertion involved.

he endeavors

Suggests a more formal and earnest effort towards a specific goal.

he strives

Emphasizes a persistent and vigorous effort to achieve something despite difficulties.

he aims

Highlights the direction of the effort towards a particular target or objective.

he seeks

Indicates an active search or pursuit to attain something.

he undertakes

Implies taking on a task or responsibility, often of a significant nature.

he ventures

Suggests a willingness to take risks or try something new and potentially challenging.

he aspires

Denotes a strong desire or ambition to achieve something great or noble.

he sets out

Focuses on the initial action of beginning a journey or task with a specific purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "he attempts" in a sentence?

Use "he attempts" to describe someone's effort to do something. For example, "He attempts to fix the car, but it remains broken".

What can I say instead of "he attempts"?

You can use alternatives like "he tries", "he endeavors", or "he makes an effort" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "he attempts" or "he tries"?

Both "he attempts" and "he tries" are correct, but "he attempts" might suggest a more formal or significant effort than "he tries". The best choice depends on the tone you want to convey.

What is the difference between "he attempts" and "he pretends"?

"He attempts" means he is making an effort to do something, while "he pretends" means he is feigning or simulating an action without genuine intention.