Language is full of expressions that carry layers of meaning beyond the literal definitions of their words. One such expression is ‘in an attempt to,’ which often appears in spoken and written English. It is a common phrase used in formal and informal communication, conveying a sense of purpose, effort, or motivation. While it may seem simple at first glance, understanding how and when to use ‘in an attempt to’ can greatly enhance the clarity and professionalism of your communication. This topic will explore the meaning of this phrase, how it is used in different contexts, and what alternative expressions you might consider.
Understanding the Phrase ‘In an Attempt to’
The phrase ‘in an attempt to’ is a prepositional phrase used to describe the intention or goal behind an action. It generally means that someone is trying to achieve a specific result. It highlights the idea of effort or trying, even if the action might not succeed. The structure is usually followed by a base verb (infinitive without ‘to’).
Basic Structure:
In an attempt to+ base verb
- In an attempt to fix the issue, he restarted the computer.
- They organized a fundraiser in an attempt to help the local hospital.
- She stayed late in an attempt to finish her project on time.
As shown above, this phrase typically introduces a reason or motivation behind a decision or action. It may also suggest that the outcome is uncertain or that the person is making an effort without guaranteed success.
Common Contexts and Examples
1. Academic Writing
In formal essays and research papers, ‘in an attempt to’ is often used to explain the goals of a study, project, or experiment.
- The scientists modified the formula in an attempt to improve its effectiveness.
- In an attempt to understand consumer behavior, researchers surveyed over 500 individuals.
2. News Reports and Journalism
Journalists often use the phrase when reporting efforts made by individuals, organizations, or governments.
- The government announced new policies in an attempt to curb inflation.
- In an attempt to reduce crime, more police patrols were added to the area.
3. Everyday Conversation
This phrase can also be used in casual speech to explain someone’s actions.
- He apologized in an attempt to make peace with his friend.
- She cooked dinner in an attempt to cheer up her partner.
Grammatical Role and Flexibility
‘In an attempt to’ acts as an adverbial phrase. It modifies the main verb of the sentence by giving the reason or purpose behind the action. This phrase is quite flexible and can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence, depending on the emphasis you want to create.
Examples:
- Beginning: In an attempt to catch the train, he ran as fast as he could.
- Middle: He, in an attempt to catch the train, ran as fast as he could.
- End: He ran as fast as he could in an attempt to catch the train.
The beginning and end positions are the most commonly used. Placing it in the middle is grammatically correct but less common in everyday usage.
Synonyms and Alternatives
There are several alternative expressions that convey a similar meaning to ‘in an attempt to.’ Depending on the tone and context of your writing or speech, you might choose one of these options:
- In order to: In order to complete the task, they worked overtime.
- With the aim of: With the aim of reducing pollution, the city banned plastic bags.
- With the intention of: She moved to New York with the intention of becoming an actress.
- Trying to: He’s trying to win her trust back.
- Striving to: The company is striving to be more environmentally friendly.
All these phrases convey a similar idea, but ‘in an attempt to’ often emphasizes the act of trying more than the outcome.
Nuances and Implications
While the phrase clearly shows effort or purpose, it can also imply a lack of success, especially when used in past tense or with a result that failed. This subtle nuance makes it useful in describing actions that were intended to help but may not have worked.
- He donated money in an attempt to fix the problem, but it wasn’t enough.
- They changed strategies in an attempt to improve sales, though profits still declined.
In such contexts, ‘in an attempt to’ reveals not just effort, but also a sense of challenge or difficulty.
Why Understanding This Phrase Matters
Knowing how to use expressions like ‘in an attempt to’ is essential for clear communication. It enhances your ability to explain motives, describe actions, and write with sophistication. Whether you’re writing an essay, giving a presentation, or having a discussion, this phrase can help articulate your thoughts in a precise and effective way.
Benefits of Using the Phrase:
- Makes your writing or speech sound more purposeful and structured.
- Adds formality and clarity to your explanation of actions.
- Helps in academic, professional, and personal communication.
‘In an attempt to’ is more than just a collection of words it is a powerful phrase that can convey intention, effort, and sometimes struggle. By understanding its structure, meaning, and usage, you can improve both your writing and speaking skills. As you become more familiar with such expressions, you’ll find it easier to express your thoughts clearly and effectively in English. Use this phrase when you want to emphasize the goal behind an action, especially when that action involves difficulty or uncertainty. Over time, incorporating phrases like this into your communication will help you sound more fluent, natural, and confident.