dare to attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dare to attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when encouraging someone to take on a challenge or try something difficult. Example: "I dare to attempt the climb, despite the risks involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Miller has always taken risks on a course that few others would dare to attempt.

The New York Times - Sports

Nor did they dare to attempt it on foot, not knowing what was where.

The New Yorker

She ended up waiting five minutes, wondering anxiously if she should dare to attempt the trip back to the table on her own.

The New York Times - Food

There is humor and empathy in "Necessary Targets" — humor that a writer who had not been to Bosnia five times, as Ensler has, might not dare to attempt — but the play proceeds somewhat predictably.

The New Yorker

What makes it all the more impressive is that few actors, or theater companies outside of summer stock, dare to attempt Jule Styne's and Bob Merrill's grand spectacle that propelled Barbra Streisand's career nearly 40 years ago.

The New York Times

"Those who care to read between the one-liners will hear a more serious voice emerge: a maturing writer who may, with his next novel, be ready to throw off his English reserve and dare to attempt a redefinition of the Great Novel himself.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"He was a game fighter and dared to attempt anything," Howard said, "even though it seemed impossible to others".

The New York Times

LONDON will soon embark on an experiment in traffic control that no other major city in the world has dared to attempt.

The Economist

But a party is also an opportunity to experiment, a quest for new experiences, a license to do everything they have never dared to attempt at home.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The salesman dares to attempt to ride with Joan.

Huffington Post

Imagine a top-down twin-stick game featuring the members of the Lodge facing off against all who oppose them, all who dare to even attempt to oppress them.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dare to attempt", ensure that the context highlights the potential risks or challenges involved, emphasizing the courage required to undertake the action.

Common error

Avoid using "dare to attempt" for simple, everyday tasks. This phrase carries a connotation of significant challenge or risk; overusing it can diminish its impact and sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dare to attempt" functions as an infinitive phrase that often acts as a verb complement or modifier. As Ludwig AI suggests, it highlights a willingness to undertake challenging tasks, emphasizing boldness and courage. It commonly conveys a sense of ambition in the face of potential difficulties.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dare to attempt" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon phrase used to express the courage to undertake challenging tasks. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and suggests that it's most effective when highlighting the potential risks and rewards involved. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, this phrase can add a layer of inspiration to your writing. Remember to avoid overuse in mundane contexts to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "have the courage to try" or "be bold enough to attempt" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be daring enough to attempt

Synonymous with "be bold enough", emphasizing fearlessness.

have the courage to try

Focuses specifically on the bravery needed.

be bold enough to attempt

Highlights the bravery required to undertake the task.

muster the nerve to attempt

Focuses on gathering the necessary courage.

venture to try

Implies a willingness to face risks or uncertainties.

be so adventurous as to try

Emphasizes the adventurous aspect of the attempt.

have the audacity to try

Emphasizes boldness and perhaps even a degree of perceived arrogance in undertaking something.

try one's hand at

Implies an experimental or exploratory attempt.

take a stab at

Suggests an informal and possibly less serious attempt.

make an effort to attempt

Highlights the work needed for the undertaking.

FAQs

How can I use "dare to attempt" in a sentence?

You can use "dare to attempt" when you want to express the courage to try something challenging, such as, "He "dared to attempt" the impossible feat of climbing Mount Everest without oxygen".

What are some alternatives to "dare to attempt"?

Some alternatives include "have the courage to try", "be bold enough to attempt", or "venture to try", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "dare to attempt" or "try to attempt"?

"Dare to attempt" emphasizes the courage and boldness required, while "try to attempt" is less common and can sound redundant. It's better to use "dare to attempt" when highlighting the challenging nature of the task.

In what contexts is "dare to attempt" most effective?

"Dare to attempt" is most effective in contexts where there is a significant risk, challenge, or perceived impossibility involved. It's used to inspire and motivate action in the face of adversity.