we can attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we can attempt" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when suggesting a possibility or effort to try something. Example: "We can attempt to solve the problem together." Alternative expressions include "we can try" and "we can endeavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

How much longer before we can attempt to resurrect our lives?

The New Yorker

It is nice to be able to see we can attempt to take the sting out of the game".

The Guardian - Sport

Secondly, we can attempt to shine a spotlight on the wonderful world of what people are doing with technology".

The Guardian - Tech

It is only through knowledge and empathy of how others live that we can attempt to communicate and connect with each other.

The Guardian

We're not in a position to just sort of fall on our sword and say there should be no oil drilling there, like we can attempt to do in the Arctic refuge.

The New York Times

It is only when we acknowledge this political and cultural context that we can attempt to understand the origins of the England chanting; it is hard to believe it would have been heard at Hampden.

The Guardian - Opinion

While we can attempt to look at voter turnout in past elections to try to predict future turnout, the unprecedented unpopularity of both Clinton and Trump this year means such historical comparisons are likely to be unhelpful.

The Guardian

It was inevitable, really, given the irrepressible rise of the selfie: the day has finally come when we can attempt to teach our canine friends to capture images of themselves.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Perhaps an archbishop can attempt it.

The Guardian - Opinion

They can attempt to somehow relate.

The Guardian

You can attempt to sign up here.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we can attempt" when you want to suggest trying something without guaranteeing success. It implies a willingness to make an effort, even if the outcome is uncertain.

Common error

Avoid using "attempt" too frequently in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "try" or "have a go" often sound more natural and less pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we can attempt" functions as a modal expression of possibility and intention. It combines the modal verb 'can' indicating ability or permission, with 'attempt' suggesting an effort to achieve something, without guaranteeing success. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we can attempt" is a versatile phrase used to suggest a potential course of action with an acknowledgment of uncertain outcomes. Ludwig AI identifies that it is grammatically correct and widely used. While suitable for various contexts, including science, news, and formal communication, simpler alternatives like "we can try" might be preferred in informal settings. The key is to use the phrase when you want to convey a willingness to make an effort, even if success is not guaranteed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we can try

A more direct and common alternative, implying a willingness to make an effort.

we may attempt

More formal and less common than "we can attempt", suggesting a possibility.

we might try

Suggests a slightly lower degree of certainty or commitment than "we can attempt".

we could try

Similar to "we might try", indicating a possibility rather than a firm plan.

we will try

Indicates a stronger intention to make an effort, shifting from possibility to a plan.

we can endeavor

A more formal synonym, suggesting a serious and sustained effort.

we shall attempt

A more formal and emphatic version of "we will try", less commonly used in modern English.

we are going to try

An informal alternative that suggests an intention or plan to make an effort.

we are able to attempt

A more verbose way of saying "we can attempt", emphasizing the capability to try.

we have the ability to attempt

Emphasizes the capacity or resources available to make an attempt.

FAQs

How to use "we can attempt" in a sentence?

You can use "we can attempt" to suggest a possible course of action, such as, "We can attempt to fix the issue by updating the software", or "We can attempt to negotiate a better deal".

What can I say instead of "we can attempt"?

You can use alternatives like "we can try", "we might try", or "we could try" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "we can attempt"?

"We can attempt" is suitable when suggesting a course of action with an uncertain outcome, implying a willingness to make an effort without guaranteeing success. It is useful in both formal and informal settings.

Is "we can attempt" formal or informal?

"We can attempt" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. While acceptable in most contexts, simpler alternatives like "we can try" may be preferred in very informal situations.