previous attempts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previous attempts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to earlier efforts or tries made to achieve something. Example: "Despite the previous attempts to solve the issue, we still faced challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Two previous attempts failed.

The New York Times

Previous attempts at dialogue have collapsed.

Independent

Previous attempts had isolated the cells.

The Economist

Previous attempts at peace talks have failed.

Independent

Seven previous attempts were unsuccessful.

The Guardian

All the previous attempts have failed too.

The Guardian

Previous attempts have not gone well.

The New York Times

But critics said previous attempts to improve conduct had failed.

The Guardian

Els has never won this event in eight previous attempts.

The New York Times - Sports

Previous attempts to bring about transparency had flopped.

The Guardian

Cilic had not beaten Djokovic in 12 previous attempts.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "previous attempts" with a more specific phrase if the number of attempts is known (e.g., "two failed trials", "three prior endeavors").

Common error

Avoid using "previous attempts" without specifying the context or goal of those attempts. This can leave the reader confused about what you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previous attempts" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, describing actions undertaken before the current one.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "previous attempts" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase used to denote earlier endeavors. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is correct and versatile across numerous contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. To ensure clarity, specify the goals of these attempts when using the phrase. Consider alternatives like "prior endeavors" or "earlier tries" based on the desired level of formality. With its widespread usage and clear meaning, "previous attempts" remains a valuable phrase for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prior endeavors

Replaces "attempts" with a more formal synonym, "endeavors".

earlier tries

Substitutes "previous" with "earlier" and "attempts" with the more informal "tries".

past efforts

Uses "past" in place of "previous" and "efforts" instead of "attempts", maintaining a similar level of formality.

preceding trials

Uses a more formal tone, replacing "previous" with "preceding" and "attempts" with "trials".

former stabs

Replaces "previous" with "former" and "attempts" with "stabs", which is a more informal term.

initial approaches

Focuses on the methodology rather than the effort itself, using "approaches" instead of "attempts".

historical undertakings

Emphasizes the historical aspect of the efforts, replacing "attempts" with the more weighty "undertakings".

unsuccessful bids

Highlights the lack of success in the previous attempts, which adds a negative connotation.

abortive efforts

Stresses that the efforts were cut short or didn't fully develop, using "abortive" to describe the "efforts".

failed experiments

Changes the context to a more scientific or experimental one, replacing "attempts" with "experiments".

FAQs

How can I use "previous attempts" in a sentence?

You can use "previous attempts" to refer to earlier efforts made to achieve something, such as "Despite the "previous attempts" to resolve the issue, challenges remained".

What are some alternatives to using "previous attempts"?

Alternatives include "earlier tries", "past efforts", or "prior endeavors", depending on the formality and specific context.

Is it better to specify the number of attempts instead of saying "previous attempts"?

Yes, if the number is known, being specific (e.g., "three failed attempts") is often clearer and more informative than simply saying ""previous attempts"".

What's the difference between "previous attempts" and "past attempts"?

The terms are largely interchangeable. Both "previous" and "past" indicate something that occurred earlier. However, "past attempts" might slightly emphasize a completed timeframe, while ""previous attempts"" focuses on the order in a sequence.