Attempts to vs at

Question

The research study is an eye-opener and attempts to acquaint us with the problems of poor nations.

A. attempted to acquaint B. attempts at acquainting
C. attempt to acquaint D. attempting to acquaint
E. No correction required

ans:-B

What is the difference btw "attempts to" and "Attempts at"?Where one should use this? pls advise.

Clive · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is E.

Nakool · Answer

Thanks clive.
Is there any sentence where we can use "attempts at" ? if yes,then how to choose between these two?

Thanks for your help

Clive · Answer

Is there any sentence where we can use "attempts at" ? if yes,then how to choose between these two?

The word 'attempt' can be a verb or a noun.

Verb
Use 'to'. eg The prisoner attempted to escape.

Noun
Both prepositions are possible.

eg The prisoner made an attempt to/at escape.

In your test question, it's a verb.

Clive

Nakool · Answer

Hey clive,I have just read one question

	They failed in their attempt to repair the demolished portion of that building.
	A.for their attempt to repairin their attempting to repairwith their attempt to repairin their attempt for repairsNo correction required

Here the ans is "attempt to repair" i.e E

If "attempt at repairing " had been given in the options,then either options would have been correct.Am i right?

Clive · Answer

Yes

Mr. Tom · Answer

Thanks for the detailed answer, Clive.

I also have a question here: Would you say that both prepositions work here?

The couple made an unsuccessful attempt at a compromise.
The couple made an unsuccessful attempt to a compromise.

Tom

Nakool · Answer

Thanks clive:)

Clive · Answer

I also have a question here: Would you say that both prepositions work here?

The couple made an unsuccessful attempt at a compromise. Fine

The couple made an unsuccessful attempt to a compromise. No.
But if you delete 'a', it's OK because 'to compromise' becomes an infinitive verb.

Clive

Attempts to vs at

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	They failed in their attempt to repair the demolished portion of that building.
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