two attempts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "two attempts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the number of tries or efforts made to achieve something. Example: "After two attempts to solve the puzzle, I finally figured it out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Took two attempts.

The Guardian - Tech

In that game, Akers missed two attempts.

The New York Times - Sports

Tessy took two attempts to get to Italy.

The Guardian

Two attempts with a hydraulic jack fail and it's 40C.

The Guardian - Travel

It only took two attempts (…so it goes).

The New Yorker

He had already survived two attempts on his life.

The New Yorker

£299/£199; 130W; AirPlay, Spotify Quick start: Took two attempts.

The Guardian - Tech

Katrin's first two attempts to drag out the Kia failed.

The New Yorker

The first two attempts at in vitro fertilization were unsuccessful.

The New York Times - Sports

The two attempts to overturn it were defeated.

The Guardian

It takes two attempts to find the right access point.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "two attempts" to clearly specify the number of tries, especially in technical or formal contexts where precision is important. For example, "The experiment required "two attempts" to achieve the desired result."

Common error

Avoid using vague terms like "a few tries" when the exact number of attempts is known and relevant. Specifying "two attempts" provides clarity and avoids potential misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "two attempts" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It quantifies the number of tries made to achieve a particular goal, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "two attempts" is a grammatically correct and widely used noun phrase for specifying exactly two tries at something. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is versatile, fitting into various contexts from scientific reports to news articles. The frequency of its usage across authoritative sources underscores its reliability and clarity. When writing, ensure clarity by using "two attempts" when the number of tries is known and relevant. Using this level of detail prevents ambiguity and provides a more precise description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a couple of tries

This alternative is more informal and emphasizes the small number of efforts made.

pair of tries

This alternative uses a more descriptive noun to refer to the attempts.

dual attempt

This alternative condenses the phrase into a single adjective-noun combination.

second try

This alternative specifically refers to the latter of the two attempts.

two goes

This alternative is more informal and commonly used in British English.

double effort

This alternative focuses on the exertion involved in the attempts rather than the number.

repeated efforts

This alternative highlights the iterative nature of the attempts.

second shot

This alternative emphasizes a chance that follows the first try.

twofold endeavor

This alternative emphasizes the ambitious nature and duality of the effort.

couple of shots

This alternative is more colloquial, implying a less serious or formal setting.

FAQs

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

You can use "two attempts" to describe a situation where someone has tried to do something twice. For instance, "She passed the exam after "two attempts"." or "The team needed "two attempts" to complete the task successfully."

What are some alternatives to saying "two attempts"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a couple of tries", "dual attempt", or "second try", depending on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Which is correct: "two attempts" or "two attempt"?

"Two attempts" is the correct plural form. "Attempt" should be pluralized because there are two of them. "Two attempt" is grammatically incorrect in standard English.

Is it more appropriate to use "two attempts" or "multiple attempts"?

Use "two attempts" when you specifically mean exactly two tries. Use "multiple attempts" when there were more than two, and you don't need to specify the exact number.