make an attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

"make an attempt" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it when you are referring to someone attempting to do something, for example: Jacob made an attempt to close the window, but it wouldn't budge.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Well at least make an attempt.

The Guardian

I shall make an attempt to explain.

The New Yorker

"I do not make an attempt to humanize her.

The New York Times - Arts

But we are going to make an attempt at one.

The Guardian - Film

Still, Mr. Rivera said, the state should make an attempt.

The New York Times

He also didn't make an attempt beyond 23 yards.

The Washington Post

If you tend to gulp beverages, make an attempt to sip instead.

Columbia University

Some publishers and authors do make an attempt to stay current.

The New York Times - Books

Even though he did make an attempt with Megan as well.

The New York Times

Within two years, he was ready to make an attempt on the Channel.

Independent

— Eric Asimov The Journal News: Want to make an attempt to go meatless next Monday?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make an attempt" when you want to emphasize the deliberate act of trying something, even if the outcome is uncertain. For example, "The company will make an attempt to reduce its carbon footprint this year."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "make an attempt" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using more relaxed alternatives like "try" or "give it a go". For example, instead of saying "I'll make an attempt to fix it", try "I'll try to fix it".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make an attempt" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of trying or endeavoring to do something. It highlights a conscious and deliberate effort, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make an attempt" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates a deliberate effort to do something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and demonstrates its wide applicability across diverse contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the context; in casual situations, simpler alternatives like "try" may be more appropriate. Remember to reserve "make an attempt" for situations where you want to emphasize the intentionality and effort involved. High-quality sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, affirming its place in standard English usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try to

Focuses on the act of trying, omitting the explicit mention of an 'attempt'.

endeavor to

Suggests a more formal and determined effort than "make an attempt".

strive to

Emphasizes the effort and struggle involved in trying something.

seek to

Implies a more deliberate and focused effort towards a specific goal.

take a shot at

Is a more informal and idiomatic way of saying "make an attempt".

give it a go

Is a casual expression suggesting a brief or initial attempt.

have a crack at

Similar to 'give it a go', implying a casual or initial try.

venture to

Suggests a cautious or hesitant approach to trying something.

undertake to

Is a formal way of saying "make an attempt", often used for tasks or projects.

take steps to

Focuses on the actions taken as part of an attempt, rather than the attempt itself.

FAQs

How can I use "make an attempt" in a sentence?

Use "make an attempt" to describe a deliberate effort to do something. For instance, "She will make an attempt to climb the mountain next summer".

What are some alternatives to "make an attempt"?

You can use alternatives like "try to", "endeavor to", or "strive to" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "make an attempt" or simply "try"?

"Make an attempt" emphasizes the conscious effort being made, while "try" is more general. The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey. In most contexts, "try" is more appropriate.

What's the difference between "make an attempt" and "make an effort"?

"Make an attempt" refers to the act of trying something, while "make an effort" refers to the exertion of energy or force. You might "make an attempt" to solve a problem by "making an effort" to gather information.