Attempt vs. Try vs. Bid

Question

What are differences between these three verbs?"Attempt"and"Try"and"Bid"Thank you very much.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

There are (at least) three verbs that have almost exactly the same meaning; the only difference is register.

try - lowest register - an everyday word

attempt - medium register - a bit more formal

endeavor - high register - quite formal

Please [try / attempt / endeavor] to speak more clearly.

I don't know why you put 'bid' in the group. To bid, or to make a bid, is to state a price you are willing to pay, as at an auction. You 'bid on' the item which is 'up for auction'. The person with the highest bid gets the item being auctioned. A bid is somewhat like an offer.

You also use 'bid' when describing different companies vying for the privilege of doing a big project, like building a skyscraper, let's say. Each company makes a bid. This includes a statement of the cost of the project - what they expect to be paid for doing the project. In this case the company with the lowest bid usually gets the project.

'To bid' is also used in playing certain games, like bridge.

CJ

Attempt vs. Try vs. Bid

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