How to Say Attempt: Formal and Informal Ways

When it comes to expressing the concept of attempt, there are various ways to go about it depending on the level of formality required. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say attempt, providing tips, examples, and even touching upon regional variations where relevant.

Formal Ways to Say Attempt

When communicating in formal settings, it is important to choose appropriate language. Here are some formal ways to say attempt:

1. Endeavor: This sophisticated term conveys a serious and determined effort. For instance, “The team will endeavor to complete the project before the deadline.”
2. Strive: It emphasizes the struggle and continuous effort put into achieving a goal. For example, “The organization strives to provide the best customer service.”
3. Make an effort: This phrase is often used in official or professional contexts. For example, “He made a concerted effort to improve his presentation skills.”
4. Undertake: It suggests taking on a task or responsibility. For instance, “The company will undertake a comprehensive review of its policies and procedures.”
5. Initiate: This term emphasizes taking the first step towards a goal. For example, “The government plans to initiate a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about recycling.”

Informal Ways to Say Attempt

When conversing in casual or informal settings, you can opt for less formal expressions to convey the concept of attempt. Here are some examples:

1. Give it a shot: This phrase implies trying something without any guarantee of success. For instance, “I’m not sure if I’ll like that new restaurant, but I’ll give it a shot.”
2. Have a go: It suggests having a try at something. For example, “Why don’t you have a go at fixing the computer before calling an expert?”
3. Take a stab at it: This expression conveys making an attempt, often with a sense of uncertainty. For instance, “I’ll take a stab at solving this puzzle, but I’m not sure if I can figure it out.”
4. Give it a whirl: It suggests giving something a try, often with a sense of curiosity or excitement. For example, “I’ve never played golf before, but I’ll give it a whirl.”
5. Give it a go: Similar to “give it a shot,” this phrase implies trying something with an open mind. For instance, “Why not give this new recipe a go? It might surprise you.”

Regional Variations

While the concept of attempt is generally expressed similarly across regions, there may be slight variations in certain languages or dialects. Here are a few examples:

American English:

In American English, the informal phrase “take a crack at it” is commonly used to mean attempting something.

British English:

In British English, the term “have a bash” is often used informally to convey the idea of making an attempt.

Australian English:

In Australian English, the phrase “give it a burl” is occasionally used to mean attempting something.

It’s important to note that regional variations are not always significant and may not significantly impact communication.

Conclusion

Now that you are familiar with both formal and informal ways to say attempt, you can choose the most appropriate terminology based on the level of formality required for your communication. Remember to consider the context and audience when selecting your phrasing. Whether you opt for formal expressions like “endeavor” or informal phrases like “give it a shot,” conveying the concept of attempt effectively will help you express your dedication and determination in any situation.

So, the next time you want to discuss someone’s attempt, whether it’s in a professional setting or during a friendly chat, you’ll have a wide range of options at your disposal.