An attempt is a deliberate effort to reach a goal, emphasizing the process of trying rather than just the final result.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Acts of trying to achieve a specific goal.
- Often implies the possibility of failure.
- Used to describe repeated efforts over time.
Overview
'Attempts' is the plural form of the noun 'attempt,' which describes the act of trying to perform an action or achieve a result. It carries a connotation of effort, persistence, and potential failure. Usage Patterns: The word is frequently used with verbs like 'make' (e.g., 'make several attempts') or 'fail' (e.g., 'after many failed attempts'). It is also commonly followed by an infinitive verb (e.g., 'attempts to escape') or a prepositional phrase (e.g., 'attempts at solving the problem'). Common Contexts: You will encounter this word in news reports regarding record-breaking feats, in academic writing discussing research efforts, and in everyday conversation when describing personal goals or struggles. For instance, a mountain climber might make multiple 'attempts' to reach the summit. Similar Words Comparison: While 'efforts' focuses on the energy expended, 'attempts' specifically highlights the singular trial or action taken. 'Trials' is often used in experimental or legal contexts, whereas 'attempts' is more general. 'Bids' is another synonym often used in business or competitive contexts, such as a 'bid' to take over a company or host an event, which is more specific than the broader term 'attempt'.
Examples
He made several attempts to contact her by phone.
everydayHe tried calling her many times.
The government is making new attempts to reduce pollution.
formalThe government is trying new ways to lower pollution.
All attempts at reconciliation failed.
formalEvery effort to make peace failed.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
first attempt
the initial try
at the first attempt
succeeding right away
Often Confused With
Efforts focuses on the energy or labor put into a task, whereas attempts focuses on the specific number of times you tried.
Grammar Patterns
Usage Notes
Use 'attempts' when you want to sound slightly more formal than 'tries'. It is highly common in professional and academic writing. Always ensure the verb 'make' or 'made' is used before the noun to ensure grammatical flow.
Common Mistakes
Learners often say 'I did three attempts' instead of 'I made three attempts.' Another error is using 'attempts' as a verb when the subject is 'I' or 'you' (e.g., 'I attempts' is incorrect; it should be 'I attempt').
Memory Tip
Think of a mountain climber: each time they climb a bit and fall, that is one 'attempt'. You count your attempts to reach the top!
Word Origin
Derived from the Old French 'attempter', which comes from the Latin 'attemptare', meaning 'to try'. It has been used in English since the 14th century.
Cultural Context
The word is frequently used in scientific and historical contexts when describing pioneering efforts to achieve something new, such as 'attempts to reach the moon'.
Use with the verb make
Always pair 'attempts' with the verb 'make' for natural phrasing. For example, 'He made several attempts to fix the clock.'
Avoid confusing with 'tries'
While 'tries' is a synonym, 'attempts' sounds more formal and is preferred in written reports or academic contexts.
Sports and record-breaking
In sports, 'attempts' is standard terminology for a single turn or effort, such as in weightlifting or long jump competitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsIt can be both. As a noun, it refers to the efforts made, while as a third-person singular verb, it describes someone trying to do something.
Yes, but it is more natural to say 'I have made many attempts.' Using the verb 'make' adds clarity to the action.
An attempt is the process of trying, whereas success is the positive outcome of that process. You can have many attempts without reaching success.
Test Yourself
Choose the best fit for the sentence.
After three ___ to start the engine, he finally gave up.
Attempts is the correct noun to quantify the number of times someone tried to do something.
🎉 Score: /1
Summary
An attempt is a deliberate effort to reach a goal, emphasizing the process of trying rather than just the final result.
- Acts of trying to achieve a specific goal.
- Often implies the possibility of failure.
- Used to describe repeated efforts over time.
Use with the verb make
Always pair 'attempts' with the verb 'make' for natural phrasing. For example, 'He made several attempts to fix the clock.'
Avoid confusing with 'tries'
While 'tries' is a synonym, 'attempts' sounds more formal and is preferred in written reports or academic contexts.
Sports and record-breaking
In sports, 'attempts' is standard terminology for a single turn or effort, such as in weightlifting or long jump competitions.
Examples
3 of 3He made several attempts to contact her by phone.
He tried calling her many times.
The government is making new attempts to reduce pollution.
The government is trying new ways to lower pollution.
All attempts at reconciliation failed.
Every effort to make peace failed.
