the attempt failed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the attempt failed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where an effort or endeavor did not succeed. Example: "Despite their best efforts to launch the new product, the attempt failed, leaving the team disappointed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Unfortunately, the attempt failed.

The Guardian

Americans officers said the attempt failed.

The New York Times

The attempt failed, even backfired.

The New York Times

The attempt failed, and Hitler disclaimed all responsibility.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"As always, the attempt failed," he said in televised remarks.

The New York Times

The attempt failed and the prohibition lasted until 1997.

The New York Times

But the attempt failed as she has no debt or utility bills in her name.

Independent

Under this theory the suggestion is clearly that the attempt failed, killing the hijackers as well.

Independent

The companies refused and the attempt failed under withering public criticism.

The New York Times

The attempt failed and became the material for Amy's biggest song.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The attempt fails because most physicists are not as professionally bitter as Mr Magueijo.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the attempt failed", clearly state what the attempt was and, if relevant, the reasons for its failure to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "the attempt failed" without specifying what the attempt refers to. Ensure the reader understands the context to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the attempt failed" functions as a declarative statement indicating the lack of success in a particular endeavor. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

16%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the attempt failed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express that an action or endeavor did not succeed. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered correct and applicable across various writing styles. It commonly appears in news, encyclopedic, scientific, and general contexts. While similar phrases exist, such as "the effort was unsuccessful", "the endeavor did not succeed", and "the mission was a failure", the choice depends on the specific nuance and context. To maximize clarity, specify what the attempt was, prevent ambiguity, and avoid assuming prior knowledge from your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the effort was unsuccessful

Replaces "attempt" with "effort" and uses the adjective "unsuccessful" instead of the verb "failed".

the endeavor did not succeed

Substitutes "attempt" with "endeavor" and replaces "failed" with "did not succeed".

the mission was a failure

Changes the structure to focus on the "mission" being a "failure" rather than the act of attempting.

the bid proved unsuccessful

Replaces 'attempt' with 'bid' and 'failed' with 'proved unsuccessful'.

the plan did not work

Simplifies the language, using "plan" instead of "attempt" and "did not work" instead of "failed".

the undertaking was fruitless

Replaces "attempt" with "undertaking" and uses "fruitless" to indicate a lack of positive results.

the project was abortive

Uses the more formal adjective "abortive" to describe the "project".

it was all in vain

Emphasizes the futility of the attempt, suggesting it was pointless from the beginning.

the scheme backfired

Suggests that the attempt not only failed but also had negative consequences.

the hope was dashed

Uses metaphorical language to describe the failure, focusing on the loss of hope.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "the attempt failed"?

You can use alternatives like "the effort was unsuccessful", "the endeavor did not succeed", or "the mission was a failure" depending on the specific context.

How can I use "the attempt failed" in a sentence?

To use "the attempt failed" effectively, clearly state what the attempt was. For example: "Despite their meticulous planning, "the attempt failed" due to unforeseen circumstances."

Is "the attempt was failed" grammatically correct?

No, "the attempt was failed" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is ""the attempt failed"" or "the attempt was unsuccessful".

What is the difference between "the attempt failed" and "the attempt was unsuccessful"?

While both phrases convey the same meaning, ""the attempt failed"" is more direct and concise, while "the attempt was unsuccessful" is slightly more formal and emphasizes the lack of success.