he has attempted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he has attempted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has made an effort to do something in the past, with relevance to the present. Example: "He has attempted to solve the problem multiple times, but without success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He has attempted to expiate his guilt.

The New York Times - Books

He has attempted to cover an unnecessarily wide field.

Nature

He has attempted three passes, completing one for 14 yards.

The New York Times

He has attempted similar motions 14 times over four years.

The Guardian

He has attempted only 17 field goals and made 12.

The New York Times

Mr Cameron has not done so yet (though he has attempted to sound Australian).

The Economist

He has attempted to push key reforms, clear bottlenecks and help foreign investors.

The Economist

He has attempted 78 runs, reeling off 6.6 yards a carry.

The New York Times

Now he has attempted to retreat behind a curtain of hermetic, teasingly simple formats.

The New Yorker

He has attempted to appeal in Brussels and elsewhere, without success.

Independent

He has attempted to legalise production of coca, the shrub from which cocaine is extracted.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When choosing between "he has attempted" and "he tried", consider the context; "attempted" can suggest a more formal or deliberate effort.

Common error

Avoid using "he has attempted" in very casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "he tried" or "he had a go" might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he has attempted" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a past action with present relevance. It describes an action that someone has undertaken, often with an implication of effort or intention. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, affirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he has attempted" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to describe a past action with current relevance, indicating that someone has made an effort to achieve something. According to Ludwig, it is well-regarded and versatile. While "he has tried" provides a simpler alternative, "he has attempted" lends a more formal or deliberate tone to your writing. It's frequently found in news, academic, and business contexts, making it suitable for many situations. Be mindful of overusing it in very informal conversations, where simpler alternatives might be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he has tried

This alternative offers a more direct and common synonym for 'attempted'.

he has endeavored

This alternative conveys a more formal and earnest effort than "he has attempted".

he has sought

This alternative suggests a determined effort to achieve a specific goal.

he has aimed

This alternative implies a direction or target for the effort.

he has strived

This alternative indicates a persistent and vigorous effort, often against challenges.

he has undertaken

This alternative refers to a formal commitment to begin a task.

he has pursued

This alternative suggests a continued effort over time.

he has worked to

This alternative describes the active execution of some duties towards a goal.

he made an effort

This alternative rephrases the attempt as a general exertion of effort.

he took steps to

This alternative emphasizes actions taken in pursuit of something.

FAQs

What is a more common way to say "he has attempted"?

A more common and simpler way to say "he has attempted" is "he has tried". This alternative is generally suitable for most contexts.

When is it better to use "he has attempted" instead of "he tried"?

While both phrases are similar, "he has attempted" can be more appropriate when emphasizing a formal or significant effort. "He has tried" is generally more casual.

What are some formal alternatives to "he has attempted"?

For more formal contexts, you could use alternatives like "he has endeavored" or "he has sought".

Is there a difference in meaning between "he has attempted" and "he has tried"?

The difference is subtle, but "he has attempted" suggests a more calculated or deliberate effort, while "he has tried" can imply a more general or casual effort. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.