attempt
attempt — verb
1. to put in real effort toward doing or achieving something, usually a task that i
to put in real effort toward doing or achieving something, usually a task that is hard, risky, or unlikely to succeed.
Ines attempted to climb the rock wall but slipped near the top.
attempt + to-infinitive for a hard physical task
The firefighters attempted a rescue through thick smoke on the third floor.
attempt + noun (object names the difficult task)
Farouk did not even attempt the last question on the math test.
Two prisoners attempted to escape over the prison wall last Friday night.
Please do not attempt to fix the broken oven by yourself.
文法句型
attempt + to-infinitive
attempt + noun
用法筆記
Often carries a feeling that success was uncertain or did not happen — much more common in writing and news reports than 'try'. Frequently followed by a to-infinitive.
常見錯誤
attempt — noun
1. an effort someone makes toward doing or finishing a task, especially one that is
an effort someone makes toward doing or finishing a task, especially one that is hard or that they are not sure will work out.
Quinn made three attempts to bake bread before one finally rose properly.
make + attempts; pattern 'attempt to do something'
Esme's first attempt at painting a portrait turned out better than he hoped.
attempt at + noun/-ing for a skill or activity
Every attempt to call the hospital ended with a busy line.
The team's brave attempt to reach the summit failed because of strong winds.
After several failed attempts, the locksmith finally opened the old garden gate.
文法句型
an attempt to do something
an attempt at something
用法筆記
Most commonly used with 'make' as a verb. Distinguish from sense 3 (criminal attack) and sense 4 (sports try): this base sense covers any kind of effort, while those are restricted to attacks on a person or scoring moves in a game.
常見錯誤
2. used in the fixed phrase 'in an attempt to', which states the reason behind an a
used in the fixed phrase 'in an attempt to', which states the reason behind an action by naming the goal the person was hoping to reach.
The mayor closed the main road in an attempt to reduce traffic noise downtown.
fixed pattern: in an attempt to + base verb
Ines skipped lunch in an attempt to finish her science report before five o'clock.
The bakery lowered its prices in an attempt to win back regular customers.
The pilot turned the plane sharply left in an attempt to avoid the storm clouds.
- in order to
more neutral; just states purpose without highlighting effort or doubt
- in the hope of
stresses what the person was hoping for, takes -ing form
- trying to
everyday and less formal
文法句型
in an attempt to + infinitive
用法筆記
Only appears in this fixed phrase, always followed by 'to' plus a base verb. Distinguish from sense 1: sense 1 names the effort itself ('she made an attempt'), while this sense names the purpose behind a separate main action ('she shouted in an attempt to warn him').
常見錯誤
3. a planned action by which a person tries — and usually fails — to kill another p
a planned action by which a person tries — and usually fails — to kill another person, often a famous or important figure.
Police arrested two men after an attempt on the senator's life outside the courthouse.
fixed phrase: an attempt on someone's life
The queen survived three attempts on her life during her long reign.
Reporters questioned the mayor about the recent attempt on his life last weekend.
An assassination attempt at the airport was stopped by a sharp-eyed guard.
- assassination attempt
specific to public or political figures
- murder attempt
more general, used when the target is anyone, not just public figures
文法句型
an attempt on someone's life
用法筆記
Almost always appears in the pattern 'an attempt on [someone's] life' or as the compound 'assassination attempt'. Reserved for attacks meant to kill, not for ordinary fights or threats.
常見錯誤
4. in football, a shot aimed at the goal; in American football, a play in which a t
in football, a shot aimed at the goal; in American football, a play in which a team tries to push the ball forward toward the end zone.
Brazil had ten attempts on goal but only one ball found the net.
football: attempt on goal
The young striker's wild attempt flew high over the crossbar into the crowd.
On their fourth attempt, the Patriots ran the ball seven yards down the field.
The goalkeeper saved every attempt during the long second half of the match.
文法句型
an attempt at goal
an attempt on goal
用法筆記
Sport-specific use, found in match reports and commentary. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense names a single shot or play in a game, while sense 1 covers any kind of effort outside sport.