SC 1000 #110

[f2001290]

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.

(A) to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, begun almost two decades ago,
(B) begun almost two decades ago, for ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment
(C) begun for ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment almost two decades ago
(D) at ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment, begun almost two decades ago,
(E) that has begun almost two decades ago to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment

What is the right idiom here ? "attemp to" or "attempt at"

[Cybermusings]

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.

(A) to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, begun almost two decades ago,
(B) begun almost two decades ago, for ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment
(C) begun for ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment almost two decades ago
(D) at ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment, begun almost two decades ago,
(E) that has begun almost two decades ago to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment

B-uses passive voice and hence should be eliminated
C- faulty modifier
E - "has" begun is clearly wrong
The correct idiom should be "attempt to"

Whats the OA...A or D?

[f2001290]

It's A

[uglyogreshrek]

An attempt is always followed by to if there is a verb immediately after it.
In this case, its ratify

Therefore, only option A stands!

because if

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.

(A) to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, begun almost two decades ago,
(B) begun almost two decades ago, for ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment
(C) begun for ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment almost two decades ago
(D) at ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment, begun almost two decades ago,
(E) that has begun almost two decades ago to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment

What is the right idiom here ? "attemp to" or "attempt at"

[g.shankaran]

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.

(A) to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, begun almost two decades ago,
(B) begun almost two decades ago, for ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment
(C) begun for ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment almost two decades ago
(D) at ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment, begun almost two decades ago,
(E) that has begun almost two decades ago to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment

What is the right idiom here ? "attemp to" or "attempt at"

I though all the choices except E has a wrong verb "begun", This is a participle form so should be followed by has or had ? .. Began might be the right usage?
Please comment

[rajbarnwal]

instead of begun, it shud be began....correct me if am wrong...

[ov25]

as is should be fine.

I feel bad when an idiom -- attempt to -- is seperated

[aspirant2011]

attempt to is used when intention is being shown and in the present sentence intention is being shown therefore, attempt to is correct

attempt at is also not the wrong word but its usage is more apt for example

your attempt at the festival was a waste