This verb describes trying, often when the task is difficult.

The idea

Use attempt with a noun for the task, or attempt to followed by a verb.

Examples

  • The climbers attempted the steep route.
  • We attempted to repair the old clock.
  • She attempted the final question first.
  • They attempted to cross before dark.
  • The baker attempted a complicated recipe.
  • Nobody attempted to move the heavy piano.

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Watch out

An attempt does not guarantee success; do not read attempted as succeeded.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct form. The team will ___ the difficult task. (attempt / attempt to)

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    attempt

    attempt takes the task directly after will.

  2. Choose the correct form. He attempted ___ the puzzle. (to solve / solve)

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    to solve

    to solve expresses the action he tried to do.

  3. Choose the correct form. Yesterday we ___ to reach the island. (attempted / attempt)

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    attempted

    attempted matches the past time yesterday.

Use it today

Describe a difficult task you would like to attempt.