make attempts to

USAGE SUMMARY

"make attempts to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an effort to accomplish something. For example, "We will make attempts to meet our deadline on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

People will make attempts to find out where you live.

The Guardian - Books

Still, they do make attempts to eat sensibly, even at this level.

The New York Times - Food

"Last year, people would only make attempts to get on to lorries at night.

The Guardian

It is troubling to see politicians threatening the entertainment industry with government intervention if it doesn't make attempts to curb violence (front page, Sept. 14).

The New York Times

He did make attempts to wind back Whitlam's signature free education reforms – although these were successfully fought by an organised student movement.

The Guardian - Opinion

At a press conference last night, Haarde asked Iceland's savers not to make attempts to battle the crisis by withdrawing large sums.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Many banks are making attempts to hire more veterans.

The New York Times

Electronics companies are making attempts to address their resource use.

The Guardian

They have captured Harawah, made attempts to take Misrata and continue to spread across the country.

Independent

Britain currently has no embassy in Iran, making attempts to negotiate Mrs Nobakht's release difficult.

Independent

But they have also made attempts to highlight and even resist them.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make attempts to" when you want to emphasize the effort being made, especially when the outcome is uncertain. For example, "Scientists are making attempts to find a cure for the disease".

Common error

While "make attempts to" is grammatically sound, overuse can make your writing sound overly formal. Consider using simpler alternatives like "try to" or "attempt to" in less formal contexts to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make attempts to" functions as a verbal phrase used to indicate the action of trying or endeavoring to do something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English, signaling an intention or effort towards a specific goal or action. The examples in Ludwig show its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

32%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make attempts to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express the act of trying or endeavoring to achieve something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in diverse contexts. While versatile, it leans towards a neutral to formal register, making it particularly suitable for news, science, and professional writing. Alternatives like "try to" or "aim to" may be more appropriate in informal settings. Remembering this helps writers maintain the right tone and clarity in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make an effort to

This is a direct synonym, highlighting the exertion of effort.

try to

This is a more concise and informal alternative, suitable for everyday conversation and less formal writing.

aim to

This indicates a specific goal or target that one is trying to reach.

endeavor to

This alternative conveys a more formal and earnest effort.

seek to

This implies a deliberate and intentional effort to achieve something.

strive to

This suggests a sustained and determined effort, often against obstacles.

undertake to

This suggests a more formal and serious commitment to a task.

work towards

This suggests a continuous effort over time to achieve a particular outcome.

aspire to

This implies a strong desire and ambition to achieve something, often something lofty.

take steps to

This emphasizes the concrete actions taken to achieve a goal.

FAQs

How can I use "make attempts to" in a sentence?

You can use "make attempts to" to describe actions taken to achieve a goal, such as, "The company will make attempts to reduce its carbon footprint" or "The rescue team will make attempts to find survivors".

What are some alternatives to "make attempts to"?

Some alternatives to "make attempts to" include "try to", "endeavor to", "seek to", or "aim to", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "make an attempt to" or "make attempts to"?

The choice between "make an attempt to" and "make attempts to" depends on whether you're referring to a single effort or multiple efforts. "Make an attempt to" refers to a single try, whereas "make attempts to" refers to repeated or ongoing efforts.

What is the difference between "try to" and "make attempts to"?

"Try to" is a more general and informal way of expressing effort. "Make attempts to" suggests a more deliberate and potentially more structured effort. In most cases, "try to" will be suitable, but "make attempts to" can add emphasis.