I try to break

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I try to break" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing efforts to disrupt, challenge, or change something, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "I try to break the routine by exploring new hobbies every weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

I try to break that up.

The New York Times

I try to break up the hours with other activities.

The Guardian

"And I try to break something — just so the family doesn't think she was in on it".

The New Yorker

So I try to break that down as we're bringing people into the corporation, so that they feel they're in a safe environment.

The New York Times

Listening to a bunch of demos while walking, I realised no matter how hard I try to break my habits in what I do, or to grow beyond my capacity, there is always this unbreakable sense about my songwriting that I will never be able to shake.

The Guardian - Music

I try to break the ice at one point by saying my wife is having trouble with her diaper subscription.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

I tried to break the mould.

The Guardian

I tried to break the news as gently as possible.

The Guardian

How am I trying to break my habit of catastrophising?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I struggled and I tried to break free.

The New York Times

This was really the first time I tried to break the record," Rudisha said.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I try to break" when you want to express an intention to disrupt a pattern, habit, or system. Be mindful of the context; this phrase implies an active effort to change something.

Common error

Avoid using "I try to break" too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "I attempt to disrupt" or "I strive to challenge" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I try to break" functions as an introductory clause expressing the speaker's intention or effort to disrupt, change, or challenge something. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I try to break" is a commonly used phrase expressing an intention to disrupt or alter something. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, and maintains a neutral register. When using this phrase, consider synonyms like "I attempt to disrupt" or "I strive to challenge" to diversify your writing. Be careful not to overuse it. The intention declared by Ludwig is used in contexts ranging from breaking habits to dismantling systems.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am trying to change

This alternative is a simpler and more direct way of expressing the intent to modify or alter something.

I am trying to disrupt

Very similar and interchangeable, simply using the verb "disrupt".

I attempt to disrupt

This alternative uses a more formal verb, "attempt", to convey a similar meaning, focusing on the effort made.

I strive to challenge

This phrase emphasizes the effort to challenge existing norms or standards, adding a layer of ambition.

I aim to dismantle

This alternative is more forceful, suggesting a deliberate effort to take apart or break down a system or structure.

I seek to overcome

This phrase focuses on conquering obstacles or limitations, presenting a determined approach.

I endeavor to transform

This suggests an attempt to change the form or appearance of something, highlighting the potential for positive change.

I make an effort to subvert

This alternative implies an attempt to undermine or overthrow something, often in a subtle or indirect way.

I work to dissolve

This focuses on gradually breaking something down, often a system or organization.

I try to undermine

This alternative suggests an attempt to weaken or destabilize something, often in a covert manner.

FAQs

How can I use "I try to break" in a sentence?

You can use "I try to break" to express an intention to disrupt a pattern, habit, or system. For example, "I try to break the routine by exploring new hobbies every weekend".

What can I say instead of "I try to break"?

You can use alternatives like "I attempt to disrupt", "I strive to challenge", or "I aim to dismantle" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "I try to break" or "I'm trying to break"?

Both are correct, but "I'm trying to break" is more immediate and suggests an ongoing effort, while "I try to break" expresses a general intention or habit.

What's the difference between "I try to break" and "I try to fix"?

"I try to break" implies disrupting or changing something, while "I try to fix" implies repairing or correcting something. They have opposite meanings.