attempt to + verb
Try to do something
This is the main verbal pattern.
They attempted to solve the issue quickly.
Attempt with prepositions
Attempt is commonly followed by a to-infinitive or a direct object. Other prepositions usually add extra information.
Quick answer
Common patterns with attempt
Use attempt to do something for actions and attempt something for direct objects. “Attempt at” is more common with the noun attempt than with the verb.
She attempted to contact the office.
He attempted the climb in winter.
He attempted the climb in winter.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
attempt + noun
Try or undertake something
Attempt can take a direct object.
The team attempted the rescue at night.
attempt at + noun
Noun pattern
At is common after the noun attempt.
It was an attempt at humour.
attempt by + person
By in noun expressions
By often identifies the person making the attempt.
The proposal was an attempt by local groups to reduce waste.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
attempt to
She attempted to explain.
Standard verbal pattern.
attempt at
His attempt at cooking failed.
Common after the noun attempt.
attempt in
They made another attempt in June.
In introduces time, not a fixed pattern.
attempt on
There was an attempt on the president's life.
Fixed noun expression, not the verb pattern.
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using attempt at after the verb
The verb usually takes a direct object or infinitive.
✕ He attempted at fixing it. ✓ He attempted to fix it.Using attempt on as a verb pattern
Attempt on belongs to a noun expression.
✕ They attempted on the leader. ✓ They attempted to attack the leader.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. She attempted ___ open the door.
2. It was an attempt ___ comedy.
3. The rescue attempt was made ___ volunteers.
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Frequently asked questions
Is attempt to correct?
Yes. It is the main pattern with the verb attempt.
Can attempt take a direct object?
Yes, as in “attempt the exam” or “attempt the climb”.
When do we use attempt at?
Mostly after the noun attempt, not directly after the verb.
Related preposition guides
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