Attempt it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Attempt it" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when encouraging someone to try or make an effort to do something. Example: "If you're unsure about the task, just attempt it and see what happens." Alternative expressions include "Give it a try" and "Try it out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All the more reason to attempt it.

Independent

"But let us attempt it".

The New York Times

Hughes, at 47, doesn't attempt it.

The New York Times - Books

Perhaps an archbishop can attempt it.

The Guardian - Opinion

I attempt it, but it's fairly hopeless.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Britain never had to attempt it.

The Guardian

I think we would be foolish to even attempt it".

The New York Times

But they rarely become superstar coaches, rarely even attempt it.

The New York Times - Sports

"Now it's up to someone else to attempt it".

The New York Times

Some 15,000 climbers attempt it every year.

The New York Times - Travel

Now, much more controversially, he would attempt it in private.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "attempt it" when you want to encourage action despite potential difficulty or uncertainty.

Common error

While "attempt it" is widely applicable, consider more formal alternatives like "undertake it" or "execute it" in professional or academic writing to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempt it" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of trying to achieve something. Ludwig shows it is used across diverse contexts, serving as a directive or suggestion to undertake a particular action, often implying a degree of challenge or uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

28%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attempt it" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that encourages action, particularly when facing challenges. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usage across various contexts, from formal news reports and academic papers to more informal wikis and blogs. The phrase's communicative purpose centers on promoting effort and perseverance. While adaptable, it's wise to consider formality levels, opting for more sophisticated synonyms in highly professional or technical environments. "Attempt it" remains a practical and accessible option for motivating action in a wide array of situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Try to do it

Emphasizes the action of trying, focusing on the effort.

Give it a shot

Suggests a less formal and potentially quicker try.

Have a go

A more colloquial expression for attempting something.

Make an effort

Highlights the exertion of energy towards a goal.

Take it on

Implies accepting a challenge or responsibility.

Take a crack at it

Informal, implying a casual or initial attempt.

Give it a whirl

Implies trying something, possibly for enjoyment or experimentation.

Embark on it

Suggests a more significant commitment to a task.

Set about it

Suggests beginning a task in a methodical way.

Undertake the task

Formal and emphasizes starting a specific project.

FAQs

How can I use "attempt it" in a sentence?

You can use "attempt it" to encourage someone to try something, even if the outcome is uncertain. For example, "The task seems difficult, but I encourage you to attempt it."

What are some alternatives to "attempt it"?

You can use alternatives like "try to do it", "give it a shot", or "make an effort" depending on the context.

When is it inappropriate to use "attempt it"?

While generally acceptable, "attempt it" might be less suitable in highly formal or technical contexts. Consider using more precise verbs depending on the desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "attempt it" and "try it"?

"Attempt it" often implies a task of some difficulty or importance, while "try it" ("try it") is a more general term for giving something a go. The choice depends on the perceived challenge and the desired emphasis.