make an attempt to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make an attempt to" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to communicate that an effort is being made to achieve a specific goal. For example, "I will make an attempt to finish my project by Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I shall make an attempt to explain.

The New Yorker

"I do not make an attempt to humanize her.

The New York Times - Arts

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

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

The New York Times

And aren't those people whose names you really should really make an attempt to learn?

The New York Times

He didn't even make an attempt to hide what he was up to there.

The Guardian - Sport

The Knicks and the Nets will at least make an attempt to be active.

The New York Times - Sports

Blair got the Americans to make an attempt to get a second resolution.

The Guardian

I was anxious that we make an attempt to repair the relationship.

The New York Times - Sports

We will make an attempt to accommodate requests dependent on the shop's training workload demands for the semester.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make an attempt to" when you want to emphasize the effort being put forth, even if the outcome is uncertain. This phrase is suitable for situations where success is not guaranteed but the intention to try is important.

Common error

While grammatically correct, consistently using "make an attempt to" can make your writing sound verbose. Vary your language by using more concise alternatives like "try to" or "endeavor to" where appropriate to improve readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make an attempt to" functions as an infinitive phrase, often introducing a verb that describes the action being attempted. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage, highlighting its role in conveying intention and effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make an attempt to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that expresses intention and effort. Ludwig AI's analysis and examples confirm its validity and widespread application across diverse contexts. While primarily found in news, science, and academic writing, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider more concise alternatives such as "try to" or "endeavor to" when appropriate. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively incorporate "make an attempt to" into their writing while maintaining clarity and stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make an effort to

This alternative focuses on the effort being exerted.

try to

This alternative is more concise and less formal.

endeavor to

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes a serious or determined effort.

strive to

This alternative suggests persistent and vigorous effort.

seek to

This alternative implies a deliberate effort to achieve a specific goal.

aim to

This alternative focuses on the intention or purpose of an action.

undertake to

This alternative suggests a formal commitment to a task.

set out to

This alternative suggests a clear and purposeful beginning to an action.

take steps to

This alternative emphasizes the actions taken to achieve a goal.

aspire to

This alternative implies aiming for something high or ambitious.

FAQs

What does "make an attempt to" mean?

The phrase "make an attempt to" means to try or endeavor to do something. It suggests an effort is being made, though the outcome is not guaranteed.

When is it appropriate to use "make an attempt to"?

It's appropriate to use "make an attempt to" when you want to emphasize the effort being made, especially when the success of the action is uncertain. It can add a formal tone to your writing.

What are some alternatives to "make an attempt to"?

Alternatives include more concise options like "try to", "seek to", or "endeavor to", depending on the desired level of formality. Each alternative carries a slightly different nuance.

Is there a difference between "make an attempt to" and "make an effort to"?

While similar, "make an effort to" emphasizes the exertion of energy and resources, while "make an attempt to" focuses more on the intention to perform an action. You could "make an effort to" clean your room even if you don't fully succeed; you "make an attempt to" climb a mountain, focusing on the trying.