"make an attempt at doing sth." 是一个正式且强调“尝试动作”的短语,意为:
其中:
"make an attempt" 是核心动宾结构,意为“进行尝试”;
"at doing sth." 是介词短语作后置定语,修饰"attempt",说明“尝试的具体内容”(即“在做某件事上的尝试”)。
主语 + make (a/an + 形容词) + attempt at + 动名词/名词
(注:"at"是介词,后面必须接动名词(doing)或名词,不能接不定式(to do)。)
可在"attempt"前加形容词修饰尝试的性质(如“大胆的、多次的、徒劳的”):
make a bold attempt at doing sth. 大胆尝试做某事
make several attempts at doing sth. 多次尝试做某事
make a vain/futile attempt at doing sth. 徒劳尝试做某事
可被动化(强调“尝试的动作被实施”):
An attempt was made at solving the problem. 有人尝试解决这个问题。
He made an attempt at climbing the highest peak in the region.
他尝试攀登该地区的最高峰。
She made a bold attempt at starting her own business after quitting her job.
她辞职后大胆尝试创业。
The team made several attempts at fixing the broken machine, but none worked.
团队多次尝试修理故障机器,但都没成功。
They made a futile attempt at persuading him to change his mind.
他们试图说服他改变主意,但只是徒劳。
需注意和 "make an attempt to do sth." 的细微差异(两者均可表示“尝试做某事”,但侧重不同):
make an attempt at doing sth.:更强调“具体的尝试动作”(聚焦“做某事的过程”);
make an attempt to do sth.:更强调“尝试的目的或意图”(聚焦“想要达成的结果”)。
例:
He made an attempt at repairing the bike.(他试着修自行车→ 侧重“修的动作”)
He made an attempt to repair the bike.(他试图修好自行车→ 侧重“想要修好的意图”)
"make an attempt at doing sth." 是正式、书面化的表达,用于强调“尝试做某件具体的事”,后接动名词。相比更口语化的"try doing sth.",它更突出“努力、有意图的尝试”(不一定成功)。
希望以上解析能帮你掌握这个短语的用法!