we can but try

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "we can but try" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express that you will make an effort although the outcome is uncertain. For example, "We can but try to fix the problem, but I'm not sure if it will work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"No, well, we can but try".

The Guardian - Books

We can but try, ask pardon for shortcomings, and there leave the matter.

The Guardian - Opinion

We can, but try to think ahead and remember that once on site we'll no doubt be heading out for a few hours at a time and will need a smaller backpack or beach bag to contain the daily basics.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"We (as students) are trying to do this project as best we can, but we're not trying to pretend to be experts.

Harvard University

We can all try, but there is no guarantee of success.

The Guardian - Books

We can certainly try but at the end of the day we need to accept that we cannot control what happens, but we can control how we feel!

WikiHow

We can try but we can't stop it".

BBC

"As a batsman, we can try but if we nick off, they're just going to send us packing.

BBC

We can try, but this is never going to happen.

Huffington Post

But we can all try our hand at being connoisseurs.

The New York Times

But Mr. Feldman, the Harvard professor, said the detention debate also had "serious consequences" for the targeted killings policy because, "If we're at war with you, then we can detain you — but we can also try to kill you".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to ensure the phrase aligns with the desired tone. It may sound slightly archaic or formal in some modern conversations.

Common error

Avoid using "we can but try" when a more confident or assertive approach is needed. This phrase implies a degree of uncertainty and might not be suitable for situations requiring strong leadership or assurance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we can but try" functions as a modal expression indicating intention and willingness to attempt something, acknowledging uncertainty about the outcome. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is often used in contexts where success is not guaranteed.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we can but try" is a grammatically sound phrase that conveys an intent to make an effort despite an uncertain outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and usable in written English. While it is relatively rare, it carries a nuance of both determination and resignation, making it suitable for contexts where success is not guaranteed. Its usage leans towards neutral to formal settings, primarily appearing in news and academic sources. Consider alternative expressions if a more assertive or confident tone is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we can try at least

Emphasizes the minimum effort being exerted.

we can only try

Emphasizes limitation, focusing solely on the act of trying.

let's give it a try

A call to action, encouraging immediate effort.

it's worth a shot

Informal expression indicating a willingness to attempt something risky.

we can give it a shot

Similar to "it's worth a shot" but with a collective subject.

we might as well try

Suggests a lack of better options, implying a lower expectation of success.

we can make an attempt

More formal, highlighting the act of attempting rather than the likelihood of success.

we can endeavor to try

Adds a sense of purpose and formality to the attempt.

we have nothing to lose by trying

Highlights the absence of risk in making an attempt.

there's no harm in trying

Focuses on the lack of negative consequences from attempting.

FAQs

How can I use "we can but try" in a sentence?

You can use "we can but try" to express that you will make an effort although the outcome is uncertain. For example, "We can but try to fix the problem, but I'm not sure if it will work."

What does "we can but try" mean?

"We can but try" means that there is an intention to make an effort, although the success of that effort is not guaranteed and might even be unlikely. It often carries a sense of resignation or realism.

What can I say instead of "we can but try"?

You can use alternatives like "we can only try", "it's worth a shot", or "we might as well try" depending on the context.

Is "we can but try" formal or informal?

"We can but try" leans toward the formal side, though it can be used in neutral contexts as well. Consider your audience when choosing this phrase over alternatives. In casual conversation, something like "let's give it a try" might be more appropriate.