prior attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prior attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an earlier effort or try at something before the current one. Example: "The results of the prior attempt were not satisfactory, so we decided to revise our approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Her prior attempt failed to garner enough support and the bill was withdrawn last year.

TechCrunch

Many feel burned by his failed prior attempt to sell the team.

Forbes

To the best of our knowledge there has been no prior attempt to summarize this research area.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

Let's not forget Google's prior attempt at generating mass adoption for an opt-in, centralized electronic medical records and health data platform of its own failed spectacularly.

TechCrunch

By contrast the prior attempt to legislate in this area, the 2012 Data Communications bill, was afforded some five months of parliamentary time for scrutiny — and ultimately failed to convince MPs its measures were proportionate.

TechCrunch

The Conservative government's prior attempt to legislate in this area — the 2012 Communications Data Bill (CDB) — had to be withdrawn when the government's then coalition partner, the Liberal Democracts, refused to support it, dubbing it a 'Snooper's Charter'.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Only the manipulative Prior attempts to break the mould.

The Guardian - Books

Musharraf spoke of two prior attempts to create a fundamentalist uprising in the Army.

The New Yorker

Although each of the prior attempts failed, one always has to be concerned about that possibility".

The New Yorker

Prior attempts at matchmaking for Ms. Creskoff, who is two years younger, had not gone well.

The New York Times

Prior attempts to legislate the problem have failed, but the complaints from viewers have kept coming.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a series of attempts, use "prior attempt" to clearly distinguish a specific earlier effort from the most recent one.

Common error

Avoid using "priority attempt" when you mean "prior attempt". "Priority" refers to importance, while "prior" indicates sequence or time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prior attempt" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to an earlier effort or try at something, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prior attempt" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to an earlier effort or try. According to Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts including news media and scientific publications, making it a versatile term. It's important to distinguish it from similar-sounding phrases like "priority attempt". Alternative phrases such as "previous effort" or "earlier endeavor" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Understanding its usage and potential alternatives ensures clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previous effort

Replaces 'attempt' with 'effort', emphasizing the exertion of energy.

earlier endeavor

Substitutes 'attempt' with 'endeavor', suggesting a more ambitious undertaking.

prior endeavor

Simple word choice change with little change of meaning.

past undertaking

Uses 'undertaking' instead of 'attempt', implying a formal project.

previous try

Replaces 'attempt' with the more informal 'try'.

failed attempt

Specifies that the attempt was not successful.

unsuccessful effort

Highlights the lack of success of the prior effort.

earlier shot

An idiomatic alternative emphasizing a chance or opportunity.

preceding action

Replaces with action and can refer to either effort or attempt.

initial stab

Another idiomatic alternative, suggesting a tentative or exploratory effort.

FAQs

How can I use "prior attempt" in a sentence?

You can use "prior attempt" to refer to an earlier effort. For example: "The results of the "prior attempt" were unsatisfactory, so we revised our approach."

What's the difference between "prior attempt" and "previous attempt"?

"Prior attempt" and "previous attempt" are largely interchangeable, but "prior" can sometimes imply a more formal or specific earlier effort.

What can I say instead of "prior attempt"?

You can use alternatives like "previous effort", "earlier endeavor", or "past undertaking" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a prior attempt was made"?

Yes, "a prior attempt was made" is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate that someone tried something before.