do not try to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not try to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone against attempting to adopt a certain behavior or persona that may not be authentic to them. Example: "In this situation, do not try to be someone you're not; just be yourself."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"If there is any originality in my arrangements, it lies in the fact that they do not try to be original," he wrote in an essay.

The New York Times - Arts

This is our 15th annual Lives They Lived issue, and as always, we do not try to be comprehensive or definitive in our choices of the people evoked within these pages.

The New York Times

Be explicit and do not try to be exhaustive.

Ecological Processes

"We do not try to be music teachers, but we let them see that we are normal people," says Mr Schrader.

BBC

Note: None in the table above indicates the proportion of youth who do not try to be self-employed at all or who tried but not mentioned factors which adversely affect their effort to be self-employed.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Do not try to be more than you are.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Do not try to be-friend your candidate.

WikiHow

"I don't try to be funny.

The Guardian - Arts

Don't try to be corporate.

The New York Times

Don't try to be appropriate".

The New York Times

Don't try to be correct.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone, tailor your tone to your audience. A firm "do not try to be" can be effective in direct communication, while a softer "avoid trying to be" might be better for sensitive situations.

Common error

While generally acceptable, excessive use of "do not try to be" can make formal writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing by using alternatives such as "avoid attempting" or "refrain from being".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not try to be" primarily functions as an imperative, advising or cautioning someone against adopting a particular characteristic, behavior, or identity. As Ludwig AI confirm, is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

44%

News & Media

27%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "do not try to be" is a common phrase used to advise against adopting a certain behavior or identity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and understandable in various contexts, though formal settings may benefit from alternatives. Usage patterns indicate its prevalence in Wiki, News & Media, and Science. When employing this phrase, consider your audience and the desired tone, ensuring your advice is both clear and well-received. Remember there are several semantically related words you can use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid trying to be

Replaces "do not" with "avoid", which is a softer way of giving the same advice.

don't attempt to be

Uses "attempt" instead of "try", suggesting a more deliberate effort.

never try to be

Emphasizes the advice with "never".

refrain from being

More formal and emphasizes self-control.

resist the urge to be

Highlights an internal conflict or temptation.

desist from trying to be

Combines "desist" and "trying", creating a more formal and emphatic tone.

forego the urge to be

A more elevated and emphatic way of saying 'resist'.

do not become

Focuses on the end result rather than the attempt.

do not seek to be

Suggests a deliberate intention or ambition.

do not aim to be

Implies setting a goal or aspiration.

FAQs

How can I rephrase the advice "do not try to be"?

Consider using alternatives like "avoid trying to be", "don't attempt to be", or "refrain from being" for a slightly different tone.

Is it ever appropriate to use "do not try to be" in formal writing?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, but in formal contexts, alternatives such as "refrain from being" or "avoid attempting to be" might be more suitable for a polished tone.

What's the difference between "do not try to be" and "do not attempt to be"?

While very similar, "try" implies a general effort, whereas "attempt" suggests a more deliberate and potentially challenging undertaking. "Do not attempt to be" is often used when referring to something difficult.

When should I use "never try to be" instead of "do not try to be"?

"Never try to be" emphasizes the advice more strongly. Use it when you want to underscore the importance of avoiding a particular behavior or persona. Compare it with "do not try to be", which is more neutral.