try a new tack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try a new tack" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting a different approach or strategy to solve a problem or address a situation. Example: "After several failed attempts, we decided to try a new tack and explore alternative solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Now we will try a new tack.

The Economist

So this month, not without controversy, the National Revenue Agency decided to try a new tack.

The New York Times

So this month the National Revenue Agency decided to try a new tack.

The New York Times

A23 Mr. Gore said he would try a new tack -- and tone -- in his first televised debate with Mr. Bush: keep the focus on his own proposals and try to resist savaging his opponent.

The New York Times

The problem of sex tourism plagues countries, like the Netherlands and Germany, where the legal part of the industry is both tightly circumscribed and highly visible.The failure of prohibition is pushing governments across the rich world to try a new tack: criminalising the purchase of sex instead of its sale.

The Economist

Vice President Al Gore, who is known as one of the most ferocious debaters in American politics, said today that he would try a new tack -- and tone -- in his first televised encounter with Gov. George W. Bush: keep the focus on his own proposals and try to resist savaging his opponent.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Accusations of corruption fly.Mr Mosha tries a new tack.

The Economist

Instead, they've been trying a new tack: public relations.

The New Yorker

In 2008, the Barclays tried a new tack.

The Guardian

Frank X . Shaw Microsoft's vice president for corporate communications, recently tried a new tack to win respect.

The New York Times

Ms. Apfelbaum has as usual commandeered the floor but is also trying a new tack.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When facing a persistent problem, use "try a new tack" to introduce a fresh, innovative solution. This signals adaptability and a proactive approach to overcoming challenges.

Common error

While "try a new tack" is useful, avoid using it repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using alternatives like "adopt a different strategy" or "change your approach" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try a new tack" functions as an idiomatic expression used to suggest a change in strategy or approach. It implies that the current method is not working, and a different method should be attempted. Ludwig's examples showcase this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try a new tack" is a grammatically sound and idiomatic phrase used to suggest a change in strategy or approach when the current one is not yielding the desired results. Ludwig AI affirms its usability in written English. While it is not exceptionally common, it is versatile enough for both formal and informal settings, especially in news and media. For alternative expressions, consider options such as "adopt a different strategy" or "change your approach". To avoid overuse, alternate with other phrases. Using "try a new tack" effectively signals adaptability and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adopt a different strategy

Emphasizes a deliberate and planned shift in overall approach.

take an alternative route

Suggests exploring a different path or method to reach the same destination.

change your approach

Highlights a modification in the way something is handled or dealt with.

alter course

Implies a redirection or adjustment in the direction of progress.

shift gears

Conveys the idea of transitioning to a different mode of operation or activity.

try another method

Focuses on using a different technique or process to accomplish something.

use a different technique

Specifies the implementation of a new skill or practical procedure.

switch tactics

Indicates a change in specific actions or maneuvers used to achieve a goal, often in a competitive context.

rethink your game plan

Suggests re-evaluating and revising your overall strategy or plan of action.

improvise

Highlights a spontaneous creation of a new path to solve problems. Focus on creativity and ability to overcome struggles.

FAQs

How can I use "try a new tack" in a sentence?

You can use "try a new tack" to suggest a different approach to a problem, such as: "After the marketing campaign failed, the team decided to "adopt a different strategy" and "try a new tack"".

What are some alternatives to "try a new tack"?

Alternatives to "try a new tack" include "adopt a different strategy", "change your approach", or "alter course" depending on the specific context.

Is "try a new tack" formal or informal?

"Try a new tack" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "adopt a different strategy".

When is it appropriate to use "try a new tack"?

It is appropriate to use "try a new tack" when you want to indicate that a previous method has not been successful and a different method should be attempted. For example: "The initial plan didn't work, so we need to "switch tactics" and "try a new tack"".