it is attempting

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is attempting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that something is making an effort, though the outcome of that effort is uncertain. For example, "The engine is attempting to start, though it has not succeeded yet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

As its economy continues to expand, it is attempting to make a rapid transition to cleaner and more efficient growth.

The Guardian

"With this announcement, Barnes & Noble is, in our view, signalling that it is attempting to reduce its dependence upon the Nook".

BBC

By setting its sights on the all-conquering 500, it is attempting to overhaul not only the metrosexual market leader, but 56 years of history.

BBC

In fact, it accomplishes most tasks thrown at it without a hitch and its underpowered processor only really struggles when it is attempting to multi-task.

TechCrunch

Iran is viewed with suspicion by many U.S. allies in the region, who fear it is attempting to create a "Shiite crescent" extending its influence to the Mediterranean.

Los Angeles Times

Israel's problem is that the strategy it is attempting to use is an old one.

The Economist

But even if it is attempting brinksmanship, there's no guarantee that it will work.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"The only way to describe it is attempted murder".

The New Yorker

It bothers me more that this project, when it is attempted, is so often attempted poorly.

The New Yorker

So what we are talking about here is not Internet subterfuge — it is attempted Internet subterfuge.

The New York Times

Then, the "Furthereitenvalues of these systems are calculated and tabulated for a wise rattemptedhe nondimensional mass parametorepresent

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "it is attempting" with more specific synonyms like "it is striving" or "it is aiming" to provide a clearer sense of the nature of the effort.

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying too heavily on "it is attempting" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing by using synonyms like "it is striving", "it is aiming", or more specific verbs related to the action being described to enhance clarity and engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is attempting" functions as a present continuous verb phrase. It indicates an ongoing action or effort, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig. This construction emphasizes the process rather than the result.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is attempting" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes an ongoing effort or action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its widespread usage across various sources, including News & Media and Science, demonstrates its versatility and acceptability in different contexts. While semantically correct, writers should consider using synonyms like "it is trying", "it is aiming", or "it is striving" to provide clarity and avoid repetition. The phrase serves to communicate an action in progress, emphasizing the effort rather than guaranteeing a successful outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is trying

A more general term for making an effort.

it is striving

Emphasizes a sustained effort or struggle towards a goal.

it is seeking

Highlights the act of searching or looking for something specific.

it is aiming

Implies having a specific target or objective in mind.

it is intending

Focuses on the planned or purposed action.

it is working to

Emphasizes the action of putting in effort to achieve the desired outcome.

it is endeavoring

A more formal way of saying "it is trying".

it is pursuing

Indicates actively following a course of action to achieve something.

it is undertaking

Highlights the act of starting or engaging in a particular task or project.

it is moving toward

Focuses on the direction of the effort.

FAQs

How to use "it is attempting" in a sentence?

"It is attempting" indicates an ongoing effort. For instance, "The company "it is attempting" to expand into new markets, but faces challenges" shows the company's effort to grow, despite possible obstacles.

What can I say instead of "it is attempting"?

You can use alternatives like "it is trying", "it is aiming", or "it is striving" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "it is attempting" or "it attempts"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they have different meanings. "It attempts" is a simple present tense, describing a habitual action. "It is attempting" is present continuous, describing an action in progress.

What's the difference between "it is attempting" and "it will attempt"?

"It is attempting" indicates an action that is currently in progress. "It will attempt" refers to a future action that is planned or intended.