dared to try

USAGE SUMMARY

"dared to try" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone was brave enough to attempt something that they knew was risky or difficult. Example: Even though everyone warned her against it, she dared to try and start her own business.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

"And believing that life loves the liver of it, I have dared to try many things, sometimes trembling, but daring still".

The Guardian - Books

In the space of the 500-word introduction, she mentions death twice and states near the beginning: "My life has been long, and believing that life loves the liver of it, I have dared to try many things, sometimes trembling, but daring still". Angelou shrugs at the suggestion.

The Guardian - Books

But I cannot say that I would have dared to try to make her tax-deductible.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was a prodigy, but became creatively blocked until he dared to try an opera.

The New Yorker

Some have already done it, and some have never dared to try.

The Guardian - Film

A move to genuine democracy, which he talked about but never dared to try, remains far off.Ethiopia's leaders are confused.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Who will dare to try it out?

The Guardian - Arts

Dare to try and stump Mrs. Blumberg, and you lose.

The New York Times

The challenges of working in design Having the confidence to dare to try something new.

Independent

"There are those who play football magnificently, and I would not dare to try.

The New York Times

"He makes things work that most of us wouldn't dare to try".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dared to try", ensure the context clearly indicates the challenge or risk associated with the attempt. This enhances the phrase's impact and meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "dared to try" for mundane or routine actions. The phrase implies a significant level of risk or difficulty, so using it inappropriately can diminish its impact and sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dared to try" functions as a verb phrase indicating an act of courage or boldness in attempting something challenging. It highlights not just the attempt, but the willingness to face potential risks or difficulties. Ludwig's examples showcase this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dared to try" is a versatile verb phrase used to express the courage or audacity involved in attempting something difficult or risky. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a grammatically correct and widely understood expression. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, this phrase serves to convey admiration or surprise, highlighting instances where individuals or entities bravely confront challenges. Although neutral in register, its implications of bravery render it less common in formal, scientific writing. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "ventured to attempt" or "summoned the courage to attempt", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was bold enough to attempt

Expresses a similar level of bravery as "dared to try" but with a different tone.

ventured to attempt

Implies taking a risk, similar to "dared to try", but with a slightly more formal tone.

took the plunge

Suggests a decisive action after hesitation, emphasizing the commitment involved.

summoned the courage to attempt

Highlights the inner strength required to overcome fear or doubt.

risked attempting

Focuses on the potential negative consequences or dangers involved in the attempt.

defied expectations to attempt

Emphasizes going against what others thought was possible or likely.

had the audacity to attempt

Implies boldness, even recklessness, in trying something others would avoid.

stepped up to try

Suggests taking responsibility and confronting a challenge head-on.

found the nerve to attempt

Highlights the overcoming of anxiety or fear to take action.

took a shot at

Suggests attempting something but can also mean to criticize or belittle.

FAQs

How can I use "dared to try" in a sentence?

You can use "dared to try" to describe someone who bravely attempted something difficult or risky. For example, "Despite the warnings, she "dared to try" skydiving".

What's a synonym for "dared to try"?

Alternatives to "dared to try" include "ventured to attempt", "summoned the courage to attempt", or "was bold enough to attempt".

Is it better to say "dared to try" or "tried"?

"Dared to try" is more emphatic than simply "tried". It highlights the bravery or risk involved in the attempt, whereas "tried" is a more neutral statement of action. For example, “He "dared to try" to climb the mountain” emphasizes the challenge, while “He tried to climb the mountain” simply states the attempt.

What does it mean when someone "dared to try"?

When someone "dared to try", it means they were brave enough to attempt something that was likely difficult, dangerous, or against the norm. It suggests an admirable quality of courage and a willingness to face challenges.