ENGLISH
REFERENCE

attempted

v.
B1 Intermediate US //əˈtɛmptɪd// UK //ɐtˈɛmptɪd// at·tempt·ed

v. tried to do something, especially something difficult. You use this when you are not sure if the person succeeded or not.

v. the past tense and past participle of 'attempt', meaning to make an effort to achieve or complete a task. Transitive — requires a direct object or a following infinitive clause.


SIMPLE

She attempted to fix the broken chair herself.

CONTEXTUAL

The rescue team attempted to reach the stranded hikers before the storm intensified.

COMPLEX

Although the scientists attempted to replicate the original results under controlled conditions, the initial findings remained elusive, suggesting a flaw in the primary methodology.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and is frequently followed by a 'to-infinitive' or a noun phrase.

Pitfall

He attempted doing the examHe attempted to do the examAttempted is followed by a 'to-infinitive', not a gerund.

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