You ever get tired of using the word “attempt” over and over again? I feel you! Sometimes it feels like that’s the only word we have when we’re talking about trying something new. But guess what? There’s a whole bunch of other fun and simple words you can use instead. Whether you’re writing a blog, an email, or just want to sound a bit more fresh in your everyday talk, this list is here to help you shake things up. Let’s dive into some easy and cool ways to say “attempt”!
1. Try
“Try” is the simplest way to say “attempt.” It’s short, clear, and friendly. You can use it in almost any situation. I'll try to fix the computer sounds natural, right? This word is great when you’re not sure what the result will be, but you’re giving it a go anyway. Kids and adults use it every day. She tried to bake a cake, or He tried to ride a bike without training wheels are perfect examples. It works in casual talk and writing. If you’re ever stuck, just go with “try”—it always fits.
2. Effort
“Effort” is a good choice when you want to focus more on the energy or time someone puts into something. For example, He put a lot of effort into his school project. It shows that someone really cared and worked hard, even if it didn't turn out perfect. You can say, It was a good effort, or She made a strong effort to improve her grades. It's a kind word, often used to praise someone's hard work, even if they didn't win or succeed in the end.
3. Endeavor
“Endeavor” is a fancy word that still feels pretty friendly. It means a serious or strong attempt to do something. For example, He embarked on a new endeavor to learn guitar. It makes things sound more important or meaningful. You might hear people say, She is on a new endeavor to start her own business. It's great when you want to show effort and a strong plan behind the try. You can use this in writing or when you want to sound thoughtful.
4. Aim
“Aim” works great when you’re focusing on a goal or target. She aimed to finish the race in under an hour is a good example. It's like you’re setting a mark and trying to reach it. This word shows purpose. His aim was to help the team win, or I aim to learn Spanish this year are other examples. It's simple, clear, and very useful in daily talk and writing. You can use “aim” when someone is trying to hit a goal, whether it’s big or small.
5. Bid
“Bid” is often used in competitions or chances where you’re trying to win or take part in something. For example, He made a bid to join the soccer team. It sounds a bit formal, but it’s still easy to use. You can say, She made a bid to run for class president, or Their bid to host the event was accepted. It fits well when someone is trying to get chosen or win something. You may hear this word a lot in business or sports too.
6. Shot
“Shot” is a super casual and fun way to say attempt. It’s like saying you’re giving something a quick try. Give it a shot! means go ahead and try it. He took a shot at painting for the first time is a fun way to show someone is testing something out. It's also common in sports, like She took a shot at the goal. This word has a relaxed and brave feel to it, perfect for everyday talk with friends or writing with a fun tone.
7. Go
“Go” is super short but really strong when used to mean “attempt.” Like Give it a go, or He had a go at solving the puzzle. It's perfect when someone is trying something new or taking a chance. She gave cooking a go and made pasta is a great, simple example. It's friendly and informal, making it easy to use in speech or casual writing. Plus, it’s encouraging. People use it to cheer someone on, like Go on, give it a go!
8. Venture
“Venture” sounds like a small adventure or brave try. He ventured into learning a new language is a cool way to say he tried. It’s great for talking about something a little bold or risky. You might say, They ventured to start a business, or She ventured outside her comfort zone. It gives a feeling of courage and stepping into something new. Use it when the attempt feels exciting or scary—in a good way!
9. Test
“Test” is often used when you're trying something to see if it works. For example, She tested her new recipe on friends. It's like a trial run. You're not sure if it will go well, but you want to find out. He tested the waters before quitting his job means he checked things out first. This word is useful in school, cooking, business, and almost anywhere else. It's a good word for experiments and first tries.
10. Experiment
“Experiment” is perfect when you're trying something creative or new, and you don't know the outcome. He experimented with new colors in his painting. It sounds fun and open to learning. You can say, She experimented with different hairstyles, or They experimented with cooking styles. It’s great when someone is not afraid to try and maybe fail. This word makes things feel playful and smart. It's also used a lot in science and learning.
11. Trial
“Trial” is a careful and planned attempt. You often use it when trying something out before fully committing. She took the new job on a trial basis is a perfect example. Or you might hear, He's on a trial run with the team. It's good for testing ideas, jobs, or products. Trial also gives the idea of being temporary or under review. It helps you know it's just a first step, not the final choice yet.
12. Crack
“Crack” is an informal and cool way to say someone is trying something. Like, He had a crack at writing a song. It makes the try sound casual and fun. You might also say, Give it a crack, or She took a crack at fixing the bike. It's often used when someone isn't sure they can do it, but they give it a go anyway. It's a great word when you want to keep the mood light and playful.
13. Push
“Push” is strong. It shows someone is making a real effort, even if it's hard. He gave a strong push to meet the deadline. It means someone is really trying to move forward. She made a push to get better at math, or They pushed through the pain to finish the race are great examples. It's about not giving up and working hard. This word adds power and shows real energy behind the attempt.
14. Strive
“Strive” shows serious effort and strong will. It's used when someone is trying really hard to reach a goal. She strives to be her best every day is a nice example. It's not just about trying once—it means ongoing effort. You could say, He strives to keep his family happy, or They strive for success in every project. It's a bit more formal but still very kind and encouraging. It's great for goals that matter deeply.
15. Undertake
“Undertake” sounds formal, but it's useful when someone starts something important or big. He undertook the task of writing a book. It's like saying someone agreed to try and do something meaningful. She undertook a big project at work is another example. This word fits serious efforts or plans, not just casual tries. It's often used in business or school settings. It shows the person is ready to face a challenge and take responsibility.
16. Attack
“Attack” can sound strong, but here it means going at a task with a lot of energy. He attacked his homework with focus is a great way to say he really tried hard. It shows boldness. She attacked the messy room and cleaned it in one hour is another good use. It makes the try sound full of effort and maybe even a little fast or urgent. It's a fun word for showing determination.
17. Approach
“Approach” is calm and thoughtful. It means to try something in a planned way. He approached the problem step by step. It's not rushed—it shows smart thinking. She approached learning piano with patience is another great example. This word is good when you want to show care in your attempt. It fits well in learning, problem-solving, or any careful try. It's a great word for showing strategy in your attempt.
18. Drive
“Drive” is about energy and motivation behind the attempt. She showed drive in her art class means she really cared and worked hard. He has the drive to start his own business is another example. It's not just about one try—it's about passion. Drive is often used to describe someone's inner power to keep trying again and again. It's perfect when you want to show strong effort and purpose.
19. Exercise
“Exercise” here doesn't mean physical workout—it means trying out or using a skill. She exercised her public speaking skills means she gave them a try. He exercised his knowledge during the quiz shows the same thing. It's used when someone is practicing or applying what they've learned. It's a smart word for showing that someone is not just learning but also trying to use what they know in real ways.
20. Mission
“Mission” is great when someone is trying to do something big or special. She was on a mission to find the best coffee in town sounds exciting and fun. It gives meaning to the attempt. You can say, He started a mission to help others, or They went on a mission to save money for a trip. It adds purpose and heart to the try. This word is fun, bold, and full of action.
21. Pursuit
“Pursuit” means going after something with care and effort. It's not just a one-time try—it's a journey. He is in pursuit of his dream job is a strong example. She began her pursuit of happiness sounds deep and hopeful. This word is great for big goals and dreams. It shows the try is ongoing and filled with passion. Use it when someone isn't giving up and is still chasing what they want.
I hope this list gave you some fresh and fun ways to say “attempt”! There's a word for every kind of try—big or small, serious or playful. Using different words makes your writing or talking more exciting and clear. Now you've got 21 new ways to express effort, purpose, and dreams. So go ahead and mix it up next time you write or speak. You'll sound smarter and more interesting!