shall we try

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'shall we try' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when you are proposing or suggesting an action or plan. For example: "Shall we try a different approach to solving this problem?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Shall we try it?

The New Yorker

Shall we try this again on Monday?

The Guardian - Sport

Aide: Good start, sir. Shall we try that once more?

The Guardian

Then we thought, 'Shall we try and put a track out on record?' And we've never looked back really.

The Guardian - Music

"And our next thought was, 'Shall we try and make a record together, to prove that four people who'd never played together before could do so?'" Hayward sits opposite them.

The Guardian - Music

As we stuff our collection of fake moustaches, giant caterpillar heads and various male wigs into our smelly suitcases for the last time, this conversation occurs: Lucy: "You know next year?" Letty: "Yes?" Lucy: "Shall we try to look a bit more attractive and less boiling on stage?" Letty: "I would love to.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"We shall try, we shall find a solution — a solution that sport is not politics, but sport, in this case, can help to solve the problem and if we are able to solve this problem it could be also a good, let's say step, to solve other problems that you have in this region," he told Abbas.

Vice

"Shall we?" he tried again, cheerfully.

The New Yorker

WESTERN airlines haven't enjoyed a good run of press recently and passengers' experiences have been, shall we say, trying.

The Economist

The racing skills of Jenson Button are fantastic". After a - shall we say - trying afternoon, Pastor Maldonado shows what he's capable of in a fantastic, clean duel with the McLaren of Jenson Button.

BBC

"[A]nd that would be a crisis situation where you would say, 'OK, what do you want to do here, shall we continue trying to get this sorted at home or would you want to look at going into the hospice or hospital?'" (clinical nurse specialist 2, practice F) "And that's probably something you don't actually verbalise with them.

British Medical Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shall we try" when you want to make a suggestion or proposal in a polite and slightly formal way. It's often used when you're including yourself in the action.

Common error

Avoid using "shall we try" in highly informal settings where it might sound overly formal or stiff. Opt for alternatives like "let's try" or "how about we try" for a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shall we try" functions as an interrogative clause used to propose or suggest an action. It invites participation or agreement, as seen in Ludwig's examples from various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shall we try" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for making suggestions or proposals. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and demonstrates its usage across various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific publications. While it isn't the most frequent phrase, it maintains a presence, particularly in neutral to slightly formal registers. When aiming for a less formal tone, alternatives such as "let's try" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should we attempt

Replaces 'shall' with 'should', softening the suggestion slightly.

why don't we try

Phrases the suggestion as a question of reasoning, implying a potential benefit.

how about we try

Offers a more casual and less formal way to propose the same action.

let's give it a shot

Uses an idiom to express the idea of trying something, often when the outcome is uncertain.

would you like to try

Directs the suggestion more explicitly towards the listener, offering a choice.

could we try

Suggests a possibility, focusing on the feasibility of the action.

are we going to try

Inquires about a future attempt, focusing on intent or planning.

might we consider trying

Presents a more formal and thoughtful suggestion for consideration.

what if we try

Proposes exploring an action as a hypothetical scenario.

can we attempt

Focuses on the ability or permission to try something.

FAQs

How do I use "shall we try" in a sentence?

You can use "shall we try" to make a suggestion or proposal, such as "Shall we try a different approach?" or "Shall we try the new restaurant downtown?"

What's a more informal way to say "shall we try"?

Alternatives include "let's try", "how about we try", or "why don't we try", depending on the context.

Is "shall we try" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "shall we try" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when making a suggestion or proposal in a polite and inclusive manner. However, consider the overall tone and audience to ensure it fits appropriately.

What's the difference between "shall we try" and "should we try"?

"Shall we try" is typically used to make a suggestion, whereas "should we try" is used to ask for advice or an opinion about whether trying something is a good idea.