we can only try

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we can only try" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to express the idea that despite potential obstacles or difficulties, one is still willing to put in effort and attempt to achieve something. Example: "I know starting a new business can be risky, but we can only try our best to make it successful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Like the flu, we cannot avoid influence; we can only try to modulate its manifestation.

The Guardian - Arts

"We can only try to help resolve small problems," said Kane.

The Guardian

We can only try and get through the games as they come along".

Independent

"We can't stop it; we can only try to control it," Ms. Medina said in an interview.

The New York Times - Science

We can only try to make him understand that we do need him on the floor and that we're already short on the front line already.

The New York Times - Sports

We can only try to clean up the mess and do our best to approximate what the father of the Wilderness Act, former president Lyndon B Johnson, described as the "unchanging beauty and wonder" of wild places.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Using a popular open source GPU based password cracking tool, we see that an average machine can only try 3788 possible passwords per second against bcrypt.

TechCrunch

"I can only try to eat more, train more and we will see," she says.

BBC

You can only try your best.

Independent

You can only try, Mr. Steinberg.

The New York Times

But I can only try my best".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we can only try" when acknowledging uncertainty but still committing to effort. It softens expectations while maintaining a proactive stance.

Common error

Avoid using "we can only try" as an excuse for inaction or a lack of commitment. Ensure it's paired with genuine effort and a clear plan, not as a disclaimer for inevitable failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we can only try" primarily functions as a modal expression of intent combined with an acknowledgement of limitations. It frames an action as an attempt where the outcome is uncertain but effort will be exerted. Ludwig confirms this common usage, showcasing real-world examples where the phrase softens expectations while maintaining a proactive stance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we can only try" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey intent alongside an acknowledgement of uncertainty. As Ludwig's AI confirms, it appears frequently across various contexts, including news, science, and business, with a neutral register. Related phrases, such as "we can but attempt" and "all we can do is try", offer similar nuanced ways to express this idea. When using the phrase, ensure it is paired with genuine effort to avoid any perception of evading responsibility. Its prevalence in authoritative sources, like the BBC and The New York Times, underscores its reliability and correctness in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we can but attempt

Emphasizes the attempt as the sole course of action available.

all we can do is try

Highlights that trying is the only action within our power.

we have no choice but to try

Indicates a lack of alternative options beyond making an effort.

we can solely attempt

Stresses the exclusivity of the attempt as the available action.

we are limited to trying

Focuses on the constraint of available actions, emphasizing only the attempt is possible.

the only thing we can do is try

Reinforces the idea that trying is the exclusive option.

our only option is to try

Positions trying as the single available course of action.

we're left with trying

Highlights the remaining option of trying when others are exhausted.

we're reduced to trying

Indicates a decline to the basic act of trying due to circumstance.

it remains for us to try

Emphasizes the outstanding task of attempting something.

FAQs

How to use "we can only try" in a sentence?

Use "we can only try" to express the intention to make an effort, even when the outcome is uncertain. For example, "The project is ambitious, but "we can only try" our best."

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

You can use alternatives like "we can but attempt", "all we can do is try", or "we have no choice but to try" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "we can only try" or "we only can try"?

"We can only try" is the standard and grammatically correct phrasing. "We only can try" is less common and may sound awkward to native English speakers.

What's the nuance between "we can only try" and "we will try"?

"We will try" expresses a firm intention to make an effort. "We can only try" acknowledges limitations or uncertainties while still committing to the attempt. It implies that success isn't guaranteed, but effort will be made.