attempts
attempts — verb
- attemptspresent simple I / you / we / they
- attemptses3rd person singular
- attemptsing-ing form
- attemptsedpast simple
1. when you make a deliberate effort to achieve a goal, especially one that is hard
when you make a deliberate effort to achieve a goal, especially one that is hard to reach.
The young climber attempted to reach the top of the mountain before dark.
attempt + to-infinitive for effort toward a goal
Wei attempted a difficult jump during the figure skating competition.
attempt + noun phrase (direct object)
Amina attempted the maths problem several times before she found the answer.
Nobody had ever attempted such a long swim across the open ocean.
Despite the storm, the firefighters attempted to reach the stranded family.
文法句型
attempt + noun phrase
attempt + to-infinitive
用法筆記
Commonly followed by a to-infinitive. The direct object with a noun phrase is also frequent but slightly more formal.
常見錯誤
attempts — noun
- attemptssingular
- attemptsesplural
1. a situation in which someone makes an effort to accomplish a difficult task, wit
a situation in which someone makes an effort to accomplish a difficult task, without knowing whether they will manage it.
After three failed attempts, Femi finally passed his driving test.
countable noun with number: three attempts
Her attempt to bake a birthday cake for her brother ended with a smoky kitchen.
attempt + to-infinitive
The rescue team made a brave attempt to save the hikers trapped by the flood.
Paloma's first attempt at rock climbing was surprisingly successful.
- abandonment
the act of giving up
文法句型
attempt + at + noun phrase
attempt + to-infinitive
用法筆記
This is the most common noun sense. Frequently used in the pattern 'make an attempt to do something' or 'in a/an attempt to do something'.
常見錯誤
2. used to explain the purpose of an action — meaning 'in order to try to achieve s
used to explain the purpose of an action — meaning 'in order to try to achieve something'.
Theo called a meeting in an attempt to settle the argument between the two teams.
in an attempt + to-infinitive
The chef added more spices in an attempt to make the dish taste more authentic.
In an attempt to save money, the Watanabe family started growing their own vegetables.
The goalkeeper rushed forward in an attempt to block the final shot of the game.
- in order to
more neutral and slightly less formal
- so as to
similar meaning, slightly more formal
- in an effort to
interchangeable with this sense
文法句型
in an attempt + to-infinitive
用法筆記
This sense only appears in the fixed phrase 'in an attempt to + verb'. It does not combine with 'at' or take a direct object. Do not confuse with sense 1 (act of trying); here the focus is on the purpose, not the effort itself.
3. a situation where someone deliberately tries to end another person's life, espec
a situation where someone deliberately tries to end another person's life, especially a famous or important one.
The politician survived an attempt on his life when a gunman opened fire near the stadium.
attempt on + possessive + life
Police arrested two suspects in connection with the attempt on the judge's life.
attempt on + noun's + life
A bodyguard noticed the suspicious movement and prevented an attempt on the general's life.
The novel begins with a failed attempt on the queen's life during a royal parade.
- assassination attempt
specifically targets a political or public figure
- murder attempt
broader; does not imply a public figure
文法句型
attempt + on + possessive + life
用法筆記
Almost always used with 'on' followed by a person or possessive + 'life'. The phrase 'attempt on someone's life' is a fixed collocation. Distinguish from sense 1, which covers all types of trying; this sense is specific to killing.
常見錯誤
4. an action in a game where a player tries to score points, such as kicking or hea
an action in a game where a player tries to score points, such as kicking or heading the ball toward the goal, or throwing it toward the basket.
The striker's attempt at goal was saved by the goalkeeper at the last second.
attempt at goal (football/soccer)
Daichi made three attempts to score but missed the basket each time.
attempt + to-infinitive (basketball)
The crowd cheered every attempt their team made to move the ball down the field.
Her attempt from outside the penalty area curved just wide of the post.
文法句型
attempt + at + goal/net/basket
用法筆記
Used across many sports. In American football, 'rushing attempt' refers to an effort to carry the ball forward. The preposition 'at' (attempt at goal) is common in football and rugby.