Attempt To Vs. Attempt At?

Attempt can be followed by a verb. When this occurs, the infinitive is very common: It was my first attempt to learn some Spanish. If the next word isn't a verb, at is needed: It was my first attempt at it. No rule says you can't have at + gerund instead of the infinitive, but I think it's less common. There's no difference in meaning as far as I know.

CB

You should really use 'piloting' or 'flying' rather than driving. Although it's rather a redundant sentence if you think about it - if your attempt had been unsuccessful so far, you probably wouldn't be in a position to talk about it....

<<<1. My attempt to drive an aeroplane has been successful so far.
2. My attempt at driving an aeroplane has been successful so far.>>>



I would not use present perfect in the above sentences. I would rephrase them as follows:

My first attempt to fly pilot an airplane was a successful one



Attempt- can be a verb or a noun. The above usage was in noun form



He has attempted to break out of jail several times but failed. –Verb

His several attempts in breaking out of jail were proven failures.- noun

KateJSYou should really use 'piloting' or 'flying' rather than driving

Yes, of course! How blind can one be! Oh, dear. I was only paying atention to the grammar, not the words.

CB

Thank you all for the inputs.

So then which of the following is correct here.

1.An attempt to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, begun almost two decades ago, has been unsuccessful despite efforts by many important groups, including the National Organization for Women.

2.An attempt at ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment, begun almost two decades ago, has been unsuccessful despite efforts by many important groups, including the National Organization for Women.

I am confused....

akcSo then which of the following is correct here.

1.An attempt to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, begun almost two decades ago, has been unsuccessful despite efforts by many important groups, including the National Organization for Women.

2.An attempt at ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment, begun almost two decades ago, has been unsuccessful despite efforts by many important groups, including the National Organization for Women.

I am confused..

If you are confused, you haven't understood my reply: " No rule says you can't have at + gerund instead of the infinitive, but I think it's less common. There's no difference in meaning as far as I know."

In other words, both your sentences are correct.

CB

take the advice from CB. Your sentence is fractured- so note that the clause 'begun ---ago' must begin with the subordinationg conjuction 'which'. so your sentence should read' an attempt ...... which began ------, has ...

Nomsa

There is a subtle difference in usage.

For important or dramatic matters, you use attempt + infinitive. "The German attempt to conquer the Soviet Uniion failed". No English speaker would write "The German attempt at conquering the Soviet Union failed."

Here are cases when I might use (but this is not mandatory !) "attempt at"

"My attempt at learning to play golf was laughable". "His attempt at being witty just made him look ridiculous."

As for your question, I would certain prefer sentence number 1, as ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment is important.

I'd be interested in any comments.