i attempt to explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I attempt to explain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to convey that you are making an effort to clarify or describe something. Example: "In this article, I attempt to explain the complex theories behind quantum mechanics in simpler terms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In this paper I attempt to explain what empowerment means, what it requires, and what can be expected from it.

Marine Policy

Here, I attempt to explain the major challenges on the development of an anti-HIV immunogen, and how the three-dimensional pictures of antibodies interacting with this virus can guide us to the design of a successful vaccine.

Porto Biomedical Journal

Like a missionary for his music, I attempt to explain why Crystal may really enjoy Willie's songs.

Vice

When I attempt to explain what I'm doing at work to my parents, they try their best to understand, but I know they have no idea what I just said to them.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

As I attempted to explain in the Crosswords Unclued article, I would rather go for a shorter cryptic clue if possible.

The Guardian

For the Americans, Amanda Holpuch, Erin McCann and I attempted to explain America's oftentimes unhealthy obsessions with open offices, the Super Bowl and chicken-fried steak.

The Guardian

The hero of "Twilight," who, as I attempted to explain, was rescued from death on a Russian battlefield by extraterrestrials, finds himself abruptly in New York: He meets a jazz musician who tells him about chickens that talk and probably think.

The New Yorker

Trying to be understanding of the fact that English wasn't his first language, I attempted to explain but, at 1am, didn't feel I was making much headway.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"When I attempted to explain privately to Beadle that I was lucky to be on good terms with the White House, the State Department, the Pentagon and the Central Intelligence Agency, and that there was value in being able to analyze the arguments that preceded every major decision, he regarded me with unfocused detestation," he writes of one run-in with a colleague.

The New York Times - Books

When I attempted to explain my jazz problem in conversation or in print, I was met with derision.

BBC

"You know, the new line of organic cotton and recycled fabrics... the eco-friendly stuff?" I attempted to explain.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "i attempt to explain" when you want to emphasize the effort you are putting into clarifying a complex topic. It can add a touch of humility or anticipation of difficulty.

Common error

While "attempt" is perfectly acceptable, avoid using it excessively, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider alternatives like "try", "aim", or "intend" to vary your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i attempt to explain" functions as an introductory statement, signaling the speaker or writer's intention to provide an explanation. Ludwig shows its use in diverse contexts, such as scientific papers and news articles, to preface clarifications.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "i attempt to explain" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce an explanation, often of a complex topic. Ludwig confirms it is usable in written English and more suitable for professional, news-related, and scientific contexts than casual conversations. While there are only a few exact examples, suggesting it's not overly common, many semantically similar phrases can be used as alternatives to prevent repetition. It signals a thoughtful and potentially challenging clarification. As Ludwig AI pointed out, the phrase is correct and usable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i will try to explain

Replaces "attempt" with "try", indicating a simpler effort.

i endeavor to explain

Substitutes "attempt" with "endeavor", conveying a more formal and earnest effort.

i mean to explain

Uses "mean" to express intention to clarify.

let me explain

Offers an explanation, often implying a need to clarify something previously misunderstood.

i aim to clarify

Focuses on the goal of making something clear rather than just explaining.

i set out to explain

Indicates an initial intention or purpose to provide an explanation.

my goal is to explain

Explicitly states the purpose as providing an explanation.

i will elucidate

Uses the more formal verb "elucidate" to suggest a detailed and insightful explanation.

in this section, i outline

Indicates a structured explanation is to follow.

here i present an explanation of

Introduces a detailed explanation, often in a formal context.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "i attempt to explain"?

Use "i attempt to explain" when introducing a complex topic that requires careful clarification, or when you anticipate difficulty in conveying the information clearly.

What are some alternatives to "i attempt to explain"?

You can use alternatives like "i try to explain", "i endeavor to explain", or "let me explain" depending on the context.

Is "i attempt to explain" too formal for casual writing?

While not overly formal, "i attempt to explain" is more suitable for academic, professional, or news-related contexts. In casual writing, phrases like "i try to explain" or "let me explain" might be more appropriate.

How can I make my explanation clearer after saying "i attempt to explain"?

After stating "i attempt to explain", ensure your explanation is well-structured, uses clear and concise language, and provides relevant examples to aid understanding.