we might try

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we might try" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting a possible action or approach that is not certain but is worth considering. Example: "If the first method doesn't work, we might try a different approach to solve the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or we might try something between the two.

The New York Times

It tells us what we might try to avoid.

The New York Times - Arts

We might try DBDesigner on Thursday, but you don't need it for the assignment.

University of California, Berkeley

"We might try to downsize again or we might go for something large.

The New York Times

No matter how we might try to avoid it, life can bring heartache.

The New York Times

In the short term, we might try blaming men for fertility problems.

The Guardian

We might try to keep it in the family or we might sell it.

The Guardian - Business

Everything looks delicious, but we can't eat it all (though we might try).

Harvard Business Review

We might try to do other things to treat it between starts".

The New York Times - Sports

It looked like fun, and we thought we might try it after the film.

The New York Times - Arts

"We might try to pin this on him but he's denounced it himself".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When suggesting an experimental solution, use "we might try" to propose the action without implying a guaranteed outcome. For instance: "If the direct approach fails, "we might try" a more subtle tactic".

Common error

Avoid using "we might try" when a definite plan is already in place. Instead of saying "We have scheduled the meeting, but "we might try" to confirm the attendance", use a phrase that reflects certainty, like "we will confirm the attendance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we might try" functions as a suggestion or proposal for a potential action. Ludwig confirms its use in suggesting possible actions without definite commitment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

17%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we might try" is a versatile phrase used to propose potential actions or solutions without implying a firm commitment. As Ludwig confirms, it appears frequently across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and scientific discussions. Alternative phrases such as "we could attempt" or "we may consider" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight differences in formality or certainty. When using this phrase, it's important to avoid overstating certainty and ensure that it aligns with the context of suggestion rather than definite action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we could attempt

Replaces "might" with "could", suggesting a slightly lower degree of certainty or possibility.

we might consider

Similar to "we may consider" but slightly less formal.

we may consider

Uses "may consider" instead of "might try", implying a more formal and thoughtful evaluation.

we can explore

Substitutes "try" with "explore", indicating an intention to investigate possibilities.

we should investigate

Replaces "might try" with "should investigate", suggesting a stronger recommendation for examination.

we may want to attempt

Adds "want to" to express desire or inclination.

we could examine

Uses "could examine" in place of "might try", implying a more detailed and systematic review.

we could give it a shot

Uses a more informal and idiomatic expression suggesting an attempt.

we can give it a whirl

Offers another informal, idiomatic alternative suggesting a casual attempt.

it may be worth exploring

Shifts the focus to the potential value of exploring an option.

FAQs

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

Use "we might try" to suggest a possible course of action or a solution that you are considering but not entirely sure about. Example: "If this doesn't work, "we might try" a different approach".

What are some alternatives to "we might try"?

You can use alternatives such as "we could attempt", "we may consider", or "we can explore" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it correct to say "we might tried" instead of "we might try"?

No, "we might tried" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "we might try". The modal verb "might" is always followed by the base form of the verb.

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

"We might try" suggests a possibility or a suggestion, indicating less certainty. "We will try" implies a stronger commitment and a definite intention to make an effort.