we could try

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we could try" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting a possible action or approach to a situation, indicating willingness to attempt something. Example: "If you're open to it, we could try a different strategy to solve this problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I said we could try.

The New York Times

"We could try," replied Naouri.

The Guardian - Music

"I don't know, but we could try".

The New York Times - Science

"Given our costs, we realized we could try both".

The New York Times

"Well hey, we could try!" he said, laughing.

The New York Times

We could try the one in Edison though, maybe.

The Guardian - Travel

Alternatively, we could try to falsify supersymmetry, but how?

The Guardian

She goes, 'We could try.' I'm like, 'That's what I don't want to fix.' ".

The New York Times - Magazine

In addition, we could try infused whiskeys, such as Jim Beam Honey and Red Stag.

The New Yorker

"If this is working," Fitch said, "we could try to get N.S.F.

The New Yorker

We could try bankocracy: ruled by the banks, for the banks.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we could try" to introduce a suggestion when you want to sound tentative or polite. This phrasing is ideal when you are brainstorming solutions and want to avoid sounding assertive.

Common error

In formal business or academic writing, avoid overusing "we could try" as it may come across as lacking confidence. Opt for stronger alternatives like "we recommend" or "we propose" to convey a more decisive tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we could try" functions as a suggestion or tentative proposal. It combines the modal verb 'could,' indicating possibility, with the verb 'try,' suggesting an attempt. This construction softens the statement, making it less assertive. Ludwig confirms this usage through its numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we could try" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase employed to offer a tentative suggestion or propose a course of action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news articles to scientific publications. The phrase's neutral tone makes it a versatile option for both formal and informal communication. While acceptable in most settings, it is crucial to consider stronger alternatives for conveying more decisive recommendations in certain business or academic contexts. Its purpose is to initiate brainstorming and collaboration, and it invites discussion, particularly in scenarios that involve uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we might attempt

Replaces the modal verb to soften the suggestion, indicating a slightly lower degree of certainty.

we can attempt

Substitutes "could" with "can", conveying a stronger sense of possibility or ability.

we may try

Replaces "could" with "may", suggesting a possibility that is less definite.

we should attempt

Changes "could" to "should", implying a recommendation or advisability.

we can give it a shot

Replaces "try" with a more colloquial expression, indicating an informal attempt.

we can make an effort

Emphasizes the exertion of effort, suggesting a deliberate attempt.

we might as well try

Adds a sense of resignation or lack of better options, implying a worthwhile attempt despite low expectations.

it's worth a try

Shifts the focus to the value of attempting something, suggesting that the potential benefits justify the attempt.

let's give it a whirl

Uses a more playful and informal expression, suggesting a lighthearted attempt.

we could give it a go

Offers a slightly more informal alternative, using "go" instead of "try".

FAQs

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

Use "we could try" to suggest a possible course of action, especially when you are unsure of the outcome. For example, "If that doesn't work, "we could try" a different approach".

What are some alternatives to "we could try"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "we might attempt", "we can attempt", or "we may try" as alternatives to "we could try".

Is it better to say "we could try" or "we should try"?

"We could try" suggests a possibility or option, while "we should try" implies a recommendation or obligation. The better choice depends on whether you are suggesting an option or giving advice.

What's the difference between "we could try" and "we will try"?

"We could try" suggests a potential action with an uncertain outcome, whereas "we will try" expresses a definite intention to make an effort. The former is less assertive than the latter.