it's worth a try

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it's worth a try" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that a particular course of action may be successful and is worth attempting. For example, "I'm not sure I can do the assignment on time, but it's worth a try."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's worth a try.

The New York Times - Sports

It's worth a try anyhow.

The New Yorker

Hey, it's worth a try.

The New York Times

Maybe it's worth a try.

The New Yorker

In any case, it's worth a try.

The New Yorker

I'm skeptical, but it's worth a try.

The New York Times

"But I think it's worth a try.

The New York Times

But they say it's worth a try.

The New York Times

Clarke Gable – well it's worth a try.

The Guardian

But it's worth a try, yeah?

The Guardian - Books

"Well, it's worth a try," Boertje-Obed told himself.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it's worth a try", consider adding a brief explanation of why the attempt is justified, even if success isn't guaranteed. This provides context and strengthens your recommendation.

Common error

Avoid using "it's worth a try" as a generic response without providing context or reasoning. This can make your suggestion sound dismissive or lacking in thoughtful consideration. Always explain why the attempt might be beneficial, even if the chances of success are slim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's worth a try" serves as a suggestion or recommendation, implying that an action should be attempted even if the outcome is uncertain. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and commonly used, indicating its acceptance in standard English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

24%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it's worth a try" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to recommend action despite uncertain outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It is versatile and fits well in numerous contexts, particularly in news, media, and everyday conversations. When using this phrase, ensure to provide context to enhance its persuasiveness and avoid overuse without specific reasoning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's worth a shot

Replaces "try" with "shot", implying a single attempt or chance.

it's worth giving it a go

Adds a more active tone, emphasizing the act of attempting something.

there's no harm in trying

Highlights the absence of negative consequences in attempting something.

can't hurt to try

Similar to "there's no harm in trying", but phrased as a rhetorical question.

it's worth exploring

Emphasizes the aspect of investigating or examining something.

might as well give it a shot

Suggests that since there is nothing better to do, one may attempt it.

it's worth considering

Focuses on the act of thinking about something as a potential option.

it's worth investigating

Highlights the need for a detailed inquiry or examination.

it merits an attempt

Uses more formal language to suggest that something deserves to be tried.

it's worth the gamble

Emphasizes the risk involved, suggesting that the potential reward justifies the uncertainty.

FAQs

What does "it's worth a try" mean?

The phrase "it's worth a try" means that attempting something is advisable, even if success is not guaranteed. It suggests that the potential benefits justify the effort or risk involved.

When is it appropriate to use "it's worth a try"?

It is appropriate to use "it's worth a try" when you want to suggest an action despite uncertain outcomes, emphasizing the potential positive results. It's often used when the risks are minimal, or the potential reward is high.

What can I say instead of "it's worth a try"?

You can use alternatives like "it's worth a shot", "there's no harm in trying", or "it's worth giving it a go" depending on the context.

How can I make the phrase "it's worth a try" more persuasive?

To make "it's worth a try" more persuasive, provide specific reasons why the attempt might be beneficial. Explain the potential positive outcomes and minimize any potential risks. For instance, you could say, "It might not work, but it's worth a try because we have nothing to lose."