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 how it goes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

All the more reason to attempt it.

Independent

Like Lil's attempt, it worked.

The New Yorker

"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

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

And then on the third attempt, it was successful.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attempt it", consider the context and audience. It works well in a variety of situations, but ensure the tone matches the overall communication. For a more formal setting, consider alternatives like "undertake it" or "endeavor to do it".

Common error

While "attempt it" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal documents. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "endeavor", "undertake", or "strive" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempt it" functions primarily as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig, it signals the act of trying or making an effort to do something. Examples show its usage in various contexts, often implying a deliberate but not necessarily successful effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attempt it" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of trying something, often with the implication of potential difficulty. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives might be preferable in certain contexts, especially in academic or scientific writing. The phrase is frequently found in news and media, as well as wiki sources, indicating its broad applicability and acceptability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give it a shot

Replaces "attempt" with the more colloquial "shot", suggesting a less formal try.

try to do it

Breaks down "attempt" into a simpler, more direct phrasing with "try" and "do".

make an effort to do it

Emphasizes the effort involved in the attempt, adding a layer of intentionality.

have a go at it

Uses the idiomatic expression "have a go", common in British English, to mean try.

undertake it

Replaces "attempt" with the more formal "undertake", suitable for professional or academic contexts.

take a crack at it

Employs the informal expression "take a crack", suggesting a casual or experimental approach.

venture to do it

Adds a sense of risk or daring to the attempt, implying a possible challenge or uncertainty.

endeavor to do it

Substitutes "attempt" with "endeavor", denoting a serious or determined effort.

tackle it

Suggests a proactive and decisive approach to dealing with a task or problem.

make a stab at it

Suggests an initial or tentative attempt, possibly without much confidence of success.

FAQs

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

You can use "attempt it" to suggest trying something. For example, "All the more reason to "attempt it"". It indicates making an effort, though not necessarily succeeding.

What are some alternatives to "attempt it"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "try it", "give it a shot", or "make an effort". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it inappropriate to use "attempt it"?

While generally acceptable, "attempt it" might sound less formal in highly professional or academic settings. In such cases, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "endeavor to do it" or "undertake it".

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

While similar, "attempt it" often implies a slightly more significant or challenging effort than "try it". "Attempt" suggests a deliberate and potentially difficult undertaking.