make several attempts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make several attempts" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to trying something multiple times in order to achieve a goal or complete a task. Example: "Despite facing numerous challenges, she decided to make several attempts to solve the complex problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Women usually make several attempts — five, on average — before they leave the partner for good.

Harvard University

1920-1937 Kurds make several attempts at rebellion, but are supressed each time.

Independent

Unless you're playing in the easiest mode, you'll often need to make several attempts to complete each song.

The New York Times - Tech

If you make several attempts to solve a puzzle and fail, Charlie or Lucy will supply a useful hint on how to proceed.

The New York Times - Tech

When beginning to drill nesting or roosting holes, woodpeckers often make several attempts, initiating an excavation only to leave off and start a new one just inches away from the first, or in an entirely new location on the house.

Cornell University

Fortunately your enemies aren't generally smart enough to charge you while you're fooling with the glaive, allowing you to make several attempts with it before either succeeding or just giving up and shooting them all.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

She has also made several attempts at fiction.

The Guardian - Books

Kinski made several attempts to return the compliment.

The Guardian

Yate made several attempts to escape, eventually succeeding.

The Guardian

Orszag made several attempts to mend things before deciding to leave, but eventually gave up.

The New Yorker

Google has made several attempts to strengthen its social networking offerings and compete with Facebook.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make several attempts", ensure the context clearly indicates the purpose of these attempts and the potential challenges involved. For example, "The engineers had to make several attempts to calibrate the device due to unforeseen interference."

Common error

Avoid using "make several attempts" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise language may be preferred. Instead, consider alternatives like "undertook multiple trials" or "conducted repeated tests".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make several attempts" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of trying to achieve something multiple times. Ludwig AI provides examples showing its use in various contexts, from technical calibrations to personal efforts, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make several attempts" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression indicating repeated effort towards a goal. Ludwig AI's analysis shows its presence across diverse sources like news media, academic papers, and scientific publications, signifying its versatility. While perfectly acceptable, writers should be mindful of the context and consider more formal alternatives like "undertake multiple trials" in highly technical writing. Its frequency is common, solidifying its place as a reliable phrase in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try repeatedly

Replaces "make attempts" with the verb "try" and "several" with "repeatedly", emphasizing the repetitive nature of the effort.

attempt multiple times

Substitutes "make" with "attempt" as a verb and "several" with "multiple", keeping the core meaning intact.

try a number of times

Replaces "several attempts" with "a number of times", providing a more descriptive alternative.

make repeated efforts

Replaces "attempts" with "efforts", emphasizing the exertion of energy in trying.

take several stabs at

Uses the idiomatic expression "take a stab at", implying a less formal and potentially less serious attempt.

give it a few tries

Offers a more casual alternative, suggesting a limited number of attempts.

persist in trying

Focuses on the continued and determined nature of the attempts.

have a go at it repeatedly

A more informal way of saying someone tried something multiple times.

undertake multiple endeavors

A more formal and elaborate way of saying someone made several attempts.

keep trying

A simple and direct alternative, emphasizing the continuation of effort.

FAQs

What does "make several attempts" mean?

The phrase "make several attempts" means to try to do something more than once, usually because the first try was not successful. It indicates persistence in the face of difficulty.

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

You can use "make several attempts" to describe a situation where someone tries repeatedly to achieve a goal. For example, "The team had to make several attempts before they finally succeeded".

What are some alternatives to "make several attempts"?

Alternatives to "make several attempts" include "try repeatedly", "attempt multiple times", or "make repeated efforts". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "make several attempts" or "try several times"?

Both "make several attempts" and "try several times" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference. "Make several attempts" might sound slightly more formal than "try several times".