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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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on the third attempt

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the third attempt" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that was tried for the third time. Here is an example: "I finally managed to solve the puzzle on the third attempt. The first two times, I made careless mistakes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

On the third attempt, the cell succeeds in severing one of the budded yeast and ingesting one of its portions (Additional file 1).

On the third attempt, he dislodged it.

News & Media

The New Yorker

On the third attempt there's a ripple.

And then on the third attempt, it was successful.

News & Media

The Guardian

O'Gara makes no mistake on the third attempt.

"On the third attempt the handshake is often less awkward and more fun," says Batley.

News & Media

The Guardian
Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

In all cases except one, the King LT® was placed on the first attempt.

The King LT was successfully placed on the first attempt in all but one case.

We based the main analyses on the first attempt by any means or by one of our seven specific methods.

In one series, insertion success with the PLMA™ was 84.5% on the first attempt, decreasing to 36% on the fourth attempt.

On the second attempt I had seventy-seven.

News & Media

The New Yorker
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “on the third attempt” to clearly indicate that something was tried three times before succeeding. It provides a specific and easily understood sequence of events.

Common error

Avoid mistakenly using "attest" instead of "attempt". "Attest" means to bear witness to or affirm to be true, while "attempt" refers to the act of trying to do something. For example, it's correct to say "On the third attempt, I succeeded," but not "On the third attest, I succeeded."

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

92%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the third attempt" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing and circumstances of an action. Ludwig's examples confirm its use to specify success achieved after prior failures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

24%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on the third attempt" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an event that succeeds after two prior failures. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from diverse sources. Its neutral register and precise meaning make it suitable for various writing styles, from news reports to scientific papers. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid confusion with similar-sounding words. Consider alternatives such as "after three tries" or "at the third attempt" to add variety to your writing.

FAQs

How can I use "on the third attempt" in a sentence?

You can use "on the third attempt" to describe situations where someone finally succeeds after trying twice before. For example: "The wood caught on the third attempt, but it was still damp."

Is it better to say "on the third attempt" or "after three attempts"?

Both "on the third attempt" and "after three attempts" are correct, but "on the third attempt" is more direct and concise. The choice depends on the desired emphasis and flow of your writing.

What phrases are similar to "on the third attempt"?

Similar phrases include "after three tries", "on the third try", or "at the third attempt". These all convey the idea of succeeding after two previous failures.

Can I use "on the third attempt" in formal writing?

Yes, "on the third attempt" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its clarity and straightforward meaning make it appropriate for various contexts, as shown by examples found in news media and scientific articles.

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Source & Trust

92%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: