Guide 16 / 200 6 swaps Formal register
Professional words for “try”
Six verbs that carry more conviction than "try."
i · When it mattersTwo lines, no filler
"Try" signals effort without outcome. Resumes, proposals, and status updates usually want a verb that implies direction or intent.
ii · The swaps6 ways
- 01Attempt formal
make an effort toward
We attempted a hotfix at 03:00.
- 02Endeavor formal
sustained, earnest effort
The team endeavors to meet the SLA.
- 03Seek to formal
pursue as an aim
We seek to reduce latency by 30%.
- 04Pursue formal
actively work toward a goal
Pursued a patent in Q3.
- 05Strive formal
effortful, values-laden
Strive to exceed the baseline.
- 06Undertake formal
formally take on a task
Undertook a six-month audit.