be prepared to try

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be prepared to try" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when encouraging someone to be ready to make an effort or attempt something, often in a challenging situation. Example: "In this workshop, we will explore new techniques, so be prepared to try different approaches."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

But Brussels should be prepared to try it.

The Economist

If you overbook, you should be prepared to try something similar.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Giuliani leaves the impression that he would be prepared to try a new approach, whatever that might be.

The New York Times

Come learn a practical framework for improving your decision making, and be prepared to try it out on actual decisions you and other participants face.

Stanford University

Once the plan to invade Iraq arose, the Bush administration wanted to be prepared to try Hussein by United States military tribunal.

The New York Times - Magazine

Many parents find the possibility their child might commit suicide unthinkable — so unthinkable they might not be prepared to try to stop it from happening.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Some political analysts say the junta could be preparing to try to stamp out the opposition party once and for all.

The New York Times

Though Bowden said, "We've had very few discussions involving Brad," there were indications that Toronto may be preparing to try to find a match for Wilkerson.

The Washington Post

Fern is prepared to try anything.

Independent

But the Norwegians are prepared to try again.

The Economist

She said she was prepared to try anything.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When encouraging someone to innovate, use "be prepared to try" to convey the importance of experimentation and iteration.

Common error

While versatile, "be prepared to try" can sound too informal in highly formal writing. Opt for alternatives like "be ready to attempt" or "be willing to consider" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be prepared to try" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing advice, suggestion, or encouragement. It is used to prompt someone to be ready to make an attempt. The Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be prepared to try" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to encourage readiness and willingness to attempt something. As per Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable. While it appears most frequently in News & Media and Wiki contexts, it maintains a generally neutral register suitable for diverse scenarios. Remember to use it to convey a proactive mindset and consider more formal alternatives in highly professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Be ready to attempt

This alternative emphasizes readiness, focusing on the action of attempting something.

Be willing to give it a shot

This suggests a more casual willingness to try something, often implying a degree of uncertainty about the outcome.

Be disposed to attempt

This alternative is a more formal way of expressing willingness to try.

Be open to experimenting

This phrase highlights openness to new experiences and approaches.

Be game to try

This suggests enthusiasm and a positive attitude toward trying something.

Be inclined to test

This phrase conveys a tendency or leaning towards trying something, often with a scientific or investigative connotation.

Brace yourself to attempt

This emphasizes preparation for a potentially difficult or challenging attempt.

Gear up to attempt

This implies preparing resources and energy to undertake the task.

Stand ready to test

It is mostly interchangeable with Be prepared to try although it sounds more like an army command.

Have an attempt stance

Indicates a proactive and dedicated position when it comes to doing something.

FAQs

How can I use "be prepared to try" in a sentence?

You can use "be prepared to try" to encourage someone to make an effort or attempt something, especially in challenging situations. For instance, "In this workshop, we will explore new techniques, so "be prepared to try" different approaches."

What are some alternatives to "be prepared to try"?

Alternatives include "be ready to attempt", "get set to give it a go", or "be willing to experiment" depending on the context.

Is "be prepared to try" formal or informal?

The phrase "be prepared to try" is generally considered neutral and can be used in a variety of contexts. However, in highly formal situations, you might prefer a more sophisticated alternative such as "be disposed to attempt".

When is it best to use "be prepared to try"?

It's best to use "be prepared to try" when you want to emphasize the importance of being ready and willing to make an effort, particularly when facing uncertainty or challenges. It conveys a sense of proactive readiness.