I try to think

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I try to think" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to express an attempt or effort to think or consider something. Example sentence: "I try to think deeply about my decisions before making them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"I try to think positive".

The New York Times

I try to think as he does.

The New Yorker

I try to think like a woman.

The Guardian - Books

"I try to think as positively as possible," she said.

The New York Times

"I try to think everything positive," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I try to think of her as I knew her".

The New York Times

I try to think what other artist Cunningham was like.

The New Yorker

I try to think of a plausible excuse to leave.

The New York Times

I try to think so each day, really".

The New York Times

I try to think of them as big stuffed dolls".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I try to think about them as individuals.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I try to think" to convey an active effort to consider or understand something, particularly when facing a challenge or uncertainty.

Common error

While "I try to think" is acceptable in general writing, overuse in formal or academic contexts may weaken your argument. Replace it with more direct statements of reasoning or analysis for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I try to think" primarily functions as a statement of intent or effort. It indicates a conscious attempt to engage in cognitive processes. As shown by Ludwig, this effort can be directed toward various goals, such as problem-solving, understanding, or maintaining a positive outlook.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I try to think" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used expression that indicates an effort to engage in cognitive processes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, conveying intent, strategy, or commitment to thoughtful consideration. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in formal writing, opting for more direct language when possible. The phrase highlights a conscious effort to understand or reason, reflecting an active approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm attempting to think

Emphasizes the effort being made to think.

I am making an effort to think

Highlights the deliberate action of trying to think.

I'm trying to reason

Specifically denotes an attempt at logical thought.

I'm endeavoring to reason

Highlights the process of logical reasoning.

I'm striving to understand

Focuses on the effort to achieve comprehension.

I'm seeking to ponder

Suggests a more reflective and thoughtful approach.

I'm giving thought to

Implies a current consideration of a topic.

I'm working on thinking

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the thought process.

I'm preoccupied with the thought of

Suggests being engrossed in thinking about something.

I am aiming to conceive

Highlights attempt to form an idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "I try to think" to express an attempt to consider something, as in "I try to think positively even when things are difficult".

What are some alternatives to "I try to think"?

Alternatives include "I attempt to think", "I endeavor to reason", or "I'm trying to reason", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I try and think" instead of "I try to think"?

While "I try and think" might be heard in informal speech, "I try to think" is the grammatically preferred and more widely accepted form in written English.

What's the difference between "I try to think" and "I am thinking"?

"I try to think" indicates an effort to engage in thought, whereas "I am thinking" describes a current state of contemplation. The former suggests a deliberate action, while the latter is a present continuous state.