if we try

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if we try" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest that an action or outcome is possible contingent upon making an effort. Example: "If we try to work together, I believe we can achieve our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Is it all right if we try?

The New York Times - Books

We can do this if we try.

The New Yorker

We can get education, a job if we try hard.

Independent

But we can – if we try – see beyond the present.

The Guardian - Opinion

If we try arm-twisting [the Indonesian government] we lose.

The Guardian

Maybe we can evoke this evasive spring if we try hard enough.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But, he said, "if we try to overthrow Qaddafi by force, our coalition would splinter.

The New York Times

If we try to prevent every act of criminality, we won't have freedom anymore.

The New York Times

"If we try the warlord killers, Americans will say, 'Fundamentalists are killing people'," he claims.

The Economist

Plus the cult of positive thinking insists we can make ourselves happier if we try harder.

Independent

If we try enough approaches, and evaluate what works, we may improve such programs' effectiveness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if we try" to introduce a condition where the outcome is dependent on effort. For example, "If we try to collaborate more effectively, we can improve our team's performance."

Common error

Avoid using "if we try" without a clearly defined goal or result. Instead of saying "If we try, things will get better", specify what "trying" entails and what improvement is expected, such as "If we try implementing these new strategies, we expect to see a 15% increase in sales."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if we try" functions as a conditional clause, introducing a condition that must be met for a particular outcome to occur. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples illustrating its role in setting up hypothetical scenarios. It typically sets the stage for a subsequent action or result.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "if we try" is a versatile conditional clause used to express the dependence of an outcome on effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and highly prevalent in diverse contexts like News & Media and Science. While seemingly simple, using "if we try" effectively involves specifying a clear goal or result to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "if we endeavor" or "if we attempt" can add formality, but the core meaning remains consistent: possibility contingent upon effort. From encouraging collaboration to assessing potential risks, "if we try" plays a crucial role in shaping expectations and driving action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if we attempt

Uses a direct synonym for "try", indicating an effort to do something.

if we make an effort

Replaces "try" with a more explicit description of the action involved.

if we endeavor

Replaces "try" with a more formal synonym, suggesting a committed effort.

provided we try

Uses "provided" to introduce the condition of making an attempt.

if we put in the effort

Highlights the investment of effort required for a positive outcome.

assuming we try

Suggests a condition based on the assumption that an attempt will be made.

should we try

Expresses the condition as a question of whether or not an attempt is made.

if we give it a shot

Replaces "try" with a more informal expression meaning to make an attempt.

in the event we try

Frames the attempt as a potential event.

if we dedicate ourselves

Emphasizes commitment and focus in achieving a goal.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "if we try" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "if we endeavor", "provided we attempt", or "should we undertake" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to specify a result after using "if we try"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the potential outcome after "if we try" enhances clarity and provides context to the reader. For instance, instead of saying just "If we try", say "If we try harder, we might succeed".

What are some common situations where "if we try" is used?

"If we try" is commonly used to express conditional possibilities in scenarios ranging from personal endeavors to large-scale projects, like "If we try to reduce our carbon footprint, we can help the environment" or "If we make an effort, we can finish this project on time".

What's the difference between "if we try" and "if we succeed"?

"If we try" indicates an attempt or effort, irrespective of the outcome, while "if we succeed" implies that the effort was successful. "If we try" focuses on the action, whereas "if we succeed" focuses on the result. For example: "If we attempt to climb the mountain, we will learn a lot, even if we don't reach the top", against "If we succeed in climbing the mountain, we'll plant our flag at the peak".