are to try

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are to try" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate an obligation or intention to attempt something in the future. Example: "The team are to try their best in the upcoming competition to secure a victory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some preliminary design recommendations for circular-to-rectangular duct transitions are to try and keep AL > 1 and AR < 1.5.

Journal of Materials Processing Technology

Now the voters are to try again.There are six candidates.

The Economist

Military tribunals are to try other war criminals.

The Guardian

"All fights are to try and get your bench going, get the crowd into it".

The New York Times - Sports

As part of the plan, they are to try to stabilize their currencies.

The New York Times

Both these techniques are to try to dissolve the oil, then draw it out.

The New York Times

The members are to try again tomorrow night, in front of their small (but growing) cult of fans.

The New York Times

The first two X-43A's are to try for Mach 7 and the last, Mach 10, about 7,000 m.p.h.

The New York Times - Science

"I've signed for a team where my goals are to try to win the races they want me to target.

The Guardian - Sport

He added: My two goals are to try to be No. 1 and do well in the majors.

The New York Times - Sports

"The proposals are to try to win back markets and to drain the famous wine lakes," said Mrs Fischer-Boel.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "are to try" when a sense of obligation or predetermination is required, often implying less flexibility or choice in the action.

Common error

Avoid using "are to try" in casual conversation; opt for phrases like "going to try" or "will try" for a more natural tone. The formality of "are to try" can sound stilted in informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are to try" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing intention, obligation, or future arrangement. Ludwig AI's examples highlight its use in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are to try" is a modal verb phrase mainly used to express a formal intention, obligation, or future arrangement. According to Ludwig, it's prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts. This expression is considered grammatically correct and very common. When writing, remember that while the phrase is perfectly acceptable, it should be used in formal settings to convey the intended sense of duty or plan. More informal alternatives like "going to try" or "will try" are better suited for casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are going to try

An informal expression of future intention. Similarity is very high, but more conversational.

will attempt

A simple future tense expressing the act of trying. It's direct and clear, with a good degree of similarity.

intend to attempt

Changes the modal verb "are to" to the verb "intend", making it a statement of purpose rather than obligation. Similarity is high.

are required to try

This emphasizes the necessity or mandate to attempt something. Similarity is good, adding an high level of formality.

plan to endeavor

Replaces "try" with "endeavor", indicating a more determined effort. "Plan to" is a statement of intent. Retains a high level of similarity.

aim to undertake

Emphasizes the goal or objective. "Undertake" suggests a more significant task. Similarity is slightly less due to stronger emphasis.

have a mandate to attempt

The phrase changes the verb structure and indicates an assigned responsibility to make an effort, keeping a formal tone. High changes in structure.

have the intention of trying

More verbose, highlighting the intention itself. The similarity is reduced because of the length.

should attempt

Expresses recommendation rather than obligation. Significant nuance change.

must try

This phrase express obligation with an higher severity. Significant nuance change.

FAQs

How do I use "are to try" in a sentence?

The phrase "are to try" indicates a formal intention or obligation. For example, "The students are to try their best on the exam" suggests a required effort. Consider the context to ensure the level of formality is appropriate.

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

You can use alternatives like "intend to attempt", "plan to endeavor", or "will attempt" depending on the context.

When should I use "are to try" over "are going to try"?

"Are to try" implies a formal arrangement or instruction, whereas "are going to try" is a more informal expression of future intention. Use "are to try" when conveying obligation or predetermination.

What's the difference between "are to try" and "should attempt"?

"Are to try" suggests a defined obligation or intention, while "should attempt" expresses a recommendation or advice. The former is stronger and indicates a planned action, the latter suggests a possible course of action.