Can someone please exlain the usage of "attempt to" and "attempt at"
1. My attempt to drive an aeroplane has been successful so far.
2. My attempt at driving an aeroplane has been successful so far.
Whats the difference between two sentences. When do we use "attempt to" and "attempt at".
Thank You.
1. My attempt to drive an aeroplane has been successful so far.
2. My attempt at driving an aeroplane has been successful so far.
Whats the difference between two sentences. When do we use "attempt to" and "attempt at".
Thank You.
1 2
Comments
CB
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
CB
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....
In other words, both your sentences are correct.
CB
Nomsa
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.