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on the third attempt
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE 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
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
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).
Science
On the third attempt, he dislodged it.
News & Media
On the third attempt there's a ripple.
News & Media
And then on the third attempt, it was successful.
News & Media
O'Gara makes no mistake on the third attempt.
News & Media
"On the third attempt the handshake is often less awkward and more fun," says Batley.
News & Media
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.
Science
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
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."
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.
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.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
after three tries
Focuses on the number of attempts made before success.
on the third try
A more concise and informal way of expressing the same idea.
at the third attempt
Uses a slightly more formal preposition.
following two failed attempts
Emphasizes the preceding failures.
after a couple of failed efforts
Uses more general terms for attempts and failures.
on the occasion of the third endeavor
Replaces simpler words with more sophisticated synonyms.
with the third iteration
Commonly used in technical contexts.
in the third instance
Focuses on the occurrence of an event in a sequence.
upon the third go
Uses an idiomatic expression.
on the heels of two prior failures
More emphatic regarding the previous failures and their proximity to the success.
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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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
92%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested