give it a go

USAGE SUMMARY

'give it a go' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an informal expression that is used to encourage someone to try something new or difficult. For example: "I've never tried skiing before, but I think I'll give it a go!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Give it a go?

The New York Times

I'd give it a go.

Independent

Let's give it a go.

The New York Times

But give it a go.

The Guardian

Give it a go and apply!

Independent

I might give it a go.

Independent

Want to give it a go?

Independent

So, yeah, give it a go".

Independent

Give it a go, comrades!

The Guardian - TV & Radio

So give it a go.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I'll give it a go.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "give it a go" to encourage someone to try something new or challenging, creating a sense of excitement and possibility.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "give it a go" in your writing. While useful, overuse can make your language sound repetitive. Vary your expressions with alternatives like "try it out" or "make an attempt" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give it a go" functions as an idiomatic expression that encourages or suggests attempting something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase in written English. The Ludwig examples demonstrate its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

12%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "give it a go" is a very common and grammatically correct idiomatic phrase used to encourage someone to try something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely accepted in written English, especially in news and media contexts. While generally informal, its versatility makes it useful in various situations. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "make an attempt". Remember, as the examples on Ludwig show, it's all about encouraging action and embracing new opportunities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give it a try

A more straightforward and common alternative, less idiomatic.

give it a shot

Similar in meaning, implying an attempt, but slightly more forceful.

try it out

A simpler alternative, focusing on testing or experiencing something.

have a crack at it

An informal alternative, suggesting an attempt with some effort.

take a stab at it

Implies an attempt with less confidence or expertise.

make an attempt

A more formal and direct alternative.

venture forth

More formal, emphasizing the act of taking a risk to try something.

experiment with it

Focuses on testing and exploration rather than a serious attempt.

take the plunge

Emphasizes overcoming hesitation to try something new.

see what happens

Suggests a casual approach to trying something without high expectations.

FAQs

How can I use "give it a go" in a sentence?

"Give it a go" is used to encourage someone to try something. For example, you might say, "I've never baked a cake before, but I'll "give it a go"!"

What can I say instead of "give it a go"?

You can use alternatives like "give it a try", "give it a shot", or "try it out" depending on the context.

Is "give it a go" formal or informal?

"Give it a go" is generally considered an informal expression, suitable for casual conversations and less formal writing. In professional settings, consider using more formal alternatives like "make an attempt".

What's the difference between "give it a go" and "give it a try"?

While both phrases mean to attempt something, ""give it a go"" often carries a slightly more enthusiastic or adventurous connotation than "give it a try", which is more neutral.