"an attempt to" vs "an attempt at"

Question

"an attempt to" vs "an attempt at"

Both "an attempt at" and "an attempt to" are correct and commonly used in English. They can be used interchangeably depending on the context. The choice between the two depends on personal preference or the flow of the sentence.

Last Updated: March 21, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate trying to do something or achieve something, often followed by a verb.

Examples:

She made an attempt to solve the puzzle.
He made an attempt to explain the concept.
The team made an attempt to win the championship.
The artist made an attempt to capture the beauty of the landscape.
The student made an attempt to improve his grades.

Alternatives:

an attempt at

This phrase is used to indicate trying to do something or achieve something, often followed by a noun or a gerund.

Examples:

She made an attempt at solving the puzzle.
He made an attempt at explaining the concept.
The team made an attempt at winning the championship.
The artist made an attempt at capturing the beauty of the landscape.
The student made an attempt at improving his grades.

Alternatives:

an attempt to

Answer 1

an attempt to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

an attempt at

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"an attempt to" vs "an attempt at"

an attempt to

an attempt at

Related Comparisons