is attempting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is attempting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is making an effort to do something. Example: "She is attempting to solve the complex math problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Civilization is attempting a comeback.

The New York Times - Books

Clytemnestra is attempting total repression.

The New Yorker

She is attempting to have it all.

Independent

O'Neill is attempting a difficult balancing act.

Independent

Mr. Romney is attempting the same approach.

The New York Times

David Cameron is attempting to rewrite history.

The Guardian

And there lies the gamble that UEFA is attempting.

The New York Times - Sports

Unfortunately, hardly anybody is attempting to change that massive distortion.

The New York Times

But Junichiro Koizumi is attempting a geological shift.

The Economist

McDonald's is attempting to expand delivery in America.  5.

Independent

There lies the key to what Dunga is attempting.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is attempting" to convey a sense of intentional effort, especially when the outcome is uncertain. For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "is endeavoring".

Common error

While grammatically sound, "is attempting" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "is trying" or "is working on" to maintain a natural, conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is attempting" functions as a verb phrase indicating an ongoing effort or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe someone currently in the process of trying to achieve something. Examples show usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Wiki

6%

Huffington Post

11%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is attempting" is a grammatically correct and very common verb phrase used to describe an ongoing effort or action. As Ludwig AI validates, it's suitable for various contexts, though slightly more formal than "is trying". The phrase frequently appears in News & Media, conveying the intent and effort behind actions. While versatile, consider the context to avoid sounding overly formal in casual settings. Alternatives like "is trying" or "is working on" may be more appropriate for informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is trying

Focuses on the act of making an effort, similar to "is attempting" but with a slightly less formal tone.

is endeavoring

A more formal and emphatic way of saying "is attempting", suggesting a determined effort.

is endeavoring to

Similar to "is endeavoring", but includes the infinitive "to" to explicitly state the action being attempted.

is working to

Highlights the ongoing effort and labor involved in achieving something.

is seeking

Emphasizes the pursuit of a goal or objective, implying a deliberate search or effort.

is aiming

Highlights the direction of the effort towards a specific target or goal.

is striving to

Emphasizes the effort and determination involved in reaching a goal, often against obstacles.

is undertaking

Implies taking on a task or project, suggesting a more significant or complex endeavor.

is moving toward

Focuses on the progress and direction of the effort, rather than the attempt itself.

is looking to

Indicates an intention or plan to do something, often in the near future.

FAQs

What is a more formal alternative to "is attempting"?

A more formal alternative to "is attempting" is "is endeavoring". This phrase conveys a stronger sense of determination and effort.

How can I use "is attempting" in a sentence?

You can use "is attempting" to describe someone making an effort to do something, for example, "The company "is attempting to expand" into new markets."

What's the difference between "is attempting" and "is trying"?

"Is attempting" and "is trying" are very similar, but "is attempting" can suggest a slightly more formal or significant effort. In many cases, they are interchangeable.

When should I use "is attempting" instead of "is trying to"?

Use "is attempting" when you want to convey a sense of more formal or deliberate effort. While "is trying to" is perfectly acceptable in most contexts, "is attempting" can add a touch of gravitas.