What is attempt? Pronunciation and usage in English

attempt means . Learn how to pronounce and use attempt through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of attempt

attemptverb/noun

/əˈtɛm(p)t/
Definition & pronunciation of attempt

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "attempt" in English. It’s a tricky one for some! Here’s a breakdown:

1. The Basic Sound:

  • "tempt" - This is the key. The word is primarily pronounced like "tempt."

2. How to Break it Down:

  • "tem": This part is straightforward. Say "tem" as you would in the word "tempt."
  • "pt": This is where it gets a little tricky. The "pt" is pronounced as a single, blended sound – almost like a "p" sound combined with a short "t" sound. It’s not two separate sounds. It’s a quick, slightly diminished "p" sound. Think of it as a very quick "pt."

3. Putting it Together:

So, you're aiming for something like: "tem-pt" (with that quick, almost swallowed "pt").

4. Phonetic Transcription (for those who like it):

IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) would roughly represent it as: /əˈtempt/

  • ə – a very short, unstressed "uh" sound (like in "about")
  • ˈtem - the stressed syllable – pronounced as in “tempt”
  • pt – as a single consonant cluster

5. Tips for Getting it Right:

To summarize, think “tempt” with a very quick, slightly softened "pt" sound.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you some more examples of words containing “pt”?

Usage and examples with the word attempt in English

Let's break down how to use the word "attempt" in English. It's a versatile word with several slightly different nuances. Here's a breakdown of its common uses, with examples:

1. Making an Effort (Most Common)

  • Meaning: To try to do something, usually when it's difficult or challenging. It implies an action taken, but doesn’t guarantee success.
  • Structure: attempt to + verb
  • Examples:
    • "I attempted to solve the puzzle, but I got stuck." (I tried to solve it, but failed.)
    • "She attempted to climb the mountain, but the weather turned bad." (She tried to climb, but couldn’t because of the weather.)
    • "He attempted to learn Spanish, but he didn't stick with it." (He made an effort to learn, but didn't continue.)

2. An Attempted Act (Describing the Action)

  • Meaning: Referring to the action itself, often emphasizing that it happened but didn't succeed.
  • Structure: the attempt to + verb
  • Examples:
    • "The attempt to rob the bank was quickly thwarted by the police." (The action of robbing the bank didn’t succeed.)
    • "There was a failed attempt to launch the rocket." (The launching process was tried, but it didn’t work.)
    • "The attempt to deceive him was obvious." (The person's effort to trick him was clear.)

3. A Formal Request (Less Common)

  • Meaning: (More formal) To make a request or proposal.
  • Structure: attempt to + verb (e.g., persuade, convince, negotiate)
  • Examples:
    • "The diplomats attempted to persuade the warring factions to reach a peace agreement." (They tried to convince them to agree.)
    • "We attempted to negotiate a lower price with the supplier." (We tried to come to an agreement on the price.)

4. Trying Something New (Often Informal)

  • Meaning: To try something for the first time.
  • Structure: "I attempted [something]"
  • Examples:
    • "I attempted karaoke last night – it was awful!" (I tried singing karaoke for the first time.)
    • "She attempted vegan cooking, and it was delicious." (She tried making vegan food.)

Key Points & Considerations:

  • “Attempt” doesn’t guarantee success. It’s about trying.
  • “Attempted” usually describes the action itself (past tense).
  • Followed by "to": Most commonly, "attempt" is followed by "to" + a verb.

Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Try
  • Attempt
  • Endeavor
  • Strive
  • Try out

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What context are you thinking about when you want to use "attempt"? (e.g., a school essay, a casual conversation, a formal report?)
  • Can you share a sentence you were trying to write that uses "attempt"?

Synonyms for the word attempt

Practice with vocabulary attempt

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. She made a brave ________ to climb the mountain despite the harsh weather.
  2. The team decided to ________ the project again after the initial failure.
  3. His ________ to solve the problem was successful on the third try.
  4. The company plans to ________ a new marketing strategy next quarter.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word best fits the sentence? "The student made a serious _______ to improve their grades."
    a) attempt
    b) effort
    c) trial
    d) success

  2. What is the correct word for the blank? "They will _______ to launch the new product by the end of the year."
    a) try
    b) attempt
    c) manage
    d) succeed

  3. Which word is not suitable here? "He decided to _______ the challenge despite the risks."
    a) attempt
    b) avoid
    c) tackle
    d) undertake

  4. Choose the correct word: "The scientist's _______ to prove the theory was groundbreaking."
    a) experiment
    b) attempt
    c) failure
    d) discovery

  5. Which word is correct here? "She made every _______ to finish the report on time."
    a) attempt
    b) effort
    c) try
    d) plan

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: "He tried to fix the broken machine."
    Rewrite: "He made an attempt to repair the broken machine."

  2. Original: "The team will try to complete the project by Friday."
    Rewrite: "The team will attempt to finish the project by Friday."

  3. Original: "She made an effort to learn the new software."
    Rewrite: "She worked hard to master the new software."

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. attempt
  2. attempt
  3. effort
  4. implement

Exercise 2:

  1. a) attempt, b) effort
  2. a) try, b) attempt
  3. b) avoid
  4. b) attempt
  5. b) effort

Exercise 3:

  1. He made an attempt to repair the broken machine.
  2. The team will attempt to finish the project by Friday.
  3. She worked hard to master the new software.

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