1.用作动词，是及物动词，其后常接：

(1) 名词：

I didn’t attempt the last question in the exam. 我没有试图去做试卷中最后一题。

He has attempted a difficult task. 他开始了一项艰难的工作。

(2) 不定式：

He attempted to lie. 他企图说谎。

He attempted to leave but was stopped. 他试图要走，但被拦住了。

I’d rather not attempt to guess what the result will be. 我不愿去猜测会有什么结果。

(3) 动名词 (不如用不定式常见)：He attempted swimming across the river. 他试图要游过河去。有时以上用法有时可互相转换，且含义上没有多少变化：不要企图一个人去做这件事。

正：Don’t attempt to do it by yourself.

正：Don’t attempt doing it by yourself. 犯人企图逃走，但失败了。

正：The prisoner attempted an escape but failed.

正：The prisoner attempted to escape but failed.

2. 用作名词，是可数名词，其后常接：

(1) 不定式：

He made no attempt to carry it out. 他没有设法把它付诸实施。

I failed in my attempt to finish it in time. 我未能及时把它完成。

(2) 介词 at：

My first attempt at English composition was poor. 我第一次试写的英语作文很差。

He made an attempt at winning the first prize. 他试图要获头奖。

有时接介词 on [upon]有时接介词<>：He made an attempt on the life of the President. 他企图刺杀总统。以上用法有时可互相转换，且含义上没有多少变化。