attempting
attempting — noun
1. A situation in which a person makes an effort to achieve a challenging goal or c
A situation in which a person makes an effort to achieve a challenging goal or complete a difficult task.
Soraya's attempt to climb the mountain failed when heavy snow blocked the path.
attempt + to-infinitive for a difficult goal
After three attempts, Mark finally opened the jam jar using hot water.
The rescue team made a brave attempt to reach the hikers before dark.
Camila gave up on her attempt at learning Mandarin after six months of classes.
文法句型
attempt + to-infinitive
attempt + at + noun/gerund
make an attempt + to-infinitive
用法筆記
Often paired with the verb 'make' (make an attempt) or 'give up' (give up an attempt). The infinitive pattern 'attempt to do something' is more common than 'attempt at doing something'.
常見錯誤
2. A situation in which a person tries to murder another individual, often a promin
A situation in which a person tries to murder another individual, often a prominent or well-known figure.
The police arrested two men for their attempt on the mayor's life last Tuesday.
attempt on + someone's life (murder plot)
Security guards stopped the attempt on the general's life before anyone was hurt.
The failed attempt on the diplomat's life led to tighter security at the embassy.
Yael survived an attempt on her life during the civil war in her home country.
- assassination attempt
more specific; refers to trying to kill a political or public figure
- murder plot
focuses on the planning stage rather than the act itself
文法句型
attempt on + possessive/someone's life
用法筆記
Usually followed by 'on' and a possessive noun referring to the target ('attempt on his life', 'attempt on the president's life'). The target is typically a person, not an animal or object.
3. An effort to score a point or goal in a sport such as football, basketball, or r
An effort to score a point or goal in a sport such as football, basketball, or rugby.
The striker's attempt at goal flew just wide of the right-hand post.
attempt at goal (football context)
Daichi's attempt to score was blocked by two defenders before reaching the basket.
Joshua made a final attempt to reach the end zone but was tackled at the five-yard line.
Her attempt at a three-point shot bounced off the rim and into the guard's hands.
- shot
more general; 'shot' is used in many sports, while 'attempt' is more formal
文法句型
attempt at goal
attempt on goal
用法筆記
Chiefly used in British English for football (soccer). In American football, 'attempt' also refers to a pass play or a run toward the end zone.
4. Something that is produced or created as the result of trying to do or make some
Something that is produced or created as the result of trying to do or make something, especially a first try at a new skill.
This painting was Sari's first attempt at using oil paints on canvas.
first attempt at + gerund (outcome of a try)
The birthday cake was a delicious attempt at a traditional French patisserie recipe.
His early attempts at writing poetry were full of spelling mistakes and awkward rhymes.
Feng's design was a bold attempt to combine modern glass with old wooden furniture.
文法句型
first/second attempt + at + noun/gerund
用法筆記
Often used with ordinal numbers ('first attempt', 'second attempt') or adjectives that evaluate quality ('brave attempt', 'creditable attempt', 'poor attempt'). Focuses on the thing produced, not the effort itself.
5. A physical attack on a person, group, or fortified position, especially in a mil
A physical attack on a person, group, or fortified position, especially in a military or historical context.
The soldiers made an attempt on the enemy fort under cover of darkness.
attempt on + place (military assault)
Vivek described the attempt on his convoy during the retreat through the mountain pass.
Historical records mention several attempts on the castle walls throughout the siege.
The general ordered a fresh attempt on the hilltop position at sunrise the next morning.
文法句型
attempt on + place/person
用法筆記
This sense is older and more formal than sense 2. While sense 2 focuses on killing an individual, this sense describes a general military or physical assault on a place, position, or group. Less common in everyday speech.
attempting — verb
- attemptingpresent simple I / you / we / they
- attemptings3rd person singular
- attemptinging-ing form
- attemptingedpast simple
1. To set out to succeed at something, putting in real work toward achieving it, es
To set out to succeed at something, putting in real work toward achieving it, especially when the task is demanding.
Adina attempted to swim across the lake but turned back when the water got too cold.
attempt + to-infinitive for a challenging action
The children are attempting to build a treehouse with old wooden planks and nails.
Owen attempted to fix the broken bicycle chain using only a screwdriver and tape.
Théo attempted to bake a sourdough loaf without any prior experience in bread-making.
The team attempted to reach the mountain summit before the afternoon storm arrived.
文法句型
attempt + to-infinitive
用法筆記
More formal than 'try'. Unlike 'try', it is rarely used with a gerund ('attempt doing' is uncommon; prefer 'try doing' for experimenting). Most commonly followed by a to-infinitive.