endeavoring

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "endeavoring" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is making an effort or trying hard at something. For example: "He is continually endeavoring to improve himself and make the best use of his time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I believe in the equality of man; and I believe that religious duties consist in doing justice, loving mercy, and in endeavoring to make our fellow-creatures happy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An elderly gentleman from Maine, endeavoring to pilot an elederly car across Central Park last Friday, entered the Park by one of those roads that start out as if they were going to cross it and then bend off and don't.

The New Yorker

Most people here have believed for some time that he could relieve a great deal of tension over school integration by endeavoring to lead public opinion... ("I think it makes no difference whether or not I endorse it,) he once said of the Supreme Court decision of 1954.

The New Yorker

He spent years endeavoring to write his own autobiographical novel, laboring over the sentences until the exertion seemed hopeless.

The New Yorker

Her mother being much smaller of frame, Patty felt somewhat like a grandfather clock that Joyce was endeavoring to lift and move.

The New Yorker

In Part 2, the post-Atticus Finchlike voice the author adopts works in her favor as she aims to find justice for the Hemingses and to do justice by them by endeavoring to reconstruct their everyday life abroad and in Jefferson's fashionable house on the Champs-Elysées.

The New Yorker

His famously unbuttoned staffers have been persuaded to wear business attire when interacting with the public, and the entrances to his campaign events are monitored by serious-looking young people with clipboards, endeavoring to make sure that no one gets in to see the candidate without surrendering his or her name and e-mail address.

The New Yorker

An attache of a broadcasting studio was endeavoring by spirited conversation to keep a pianist, who was to go on the air shortly, from becoming nervous.

The New Yorker

I am, this morning, endeavoring to persuade you to join me in my deluded world; it is a happy, irrational, rich world, full of fairies and ghosts and free electricity and dragons, and a world beyond all others fun to walk around in.

The New Yorker

An elderly gentleman from Maine, endeavoring to pilot an elederly car across Central Park last Friday, entered the Park by one of those roads that… Two little career girls fell to talking about literature.

The New Yorker

The hypercivilized, unimaginably savage Aztecs made war almost tenderly, wielding wooden swords that were edged with bits of obsidian or flint and, in face-to-face combat, endeavoring not to kill their enemies but, commonly by striking at their legs, to disable and capture them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "endeavoring" to add a touch of formality and seriousness to your writing when describing someone's efforts. It suggests a thoughtful and purposeful approach to a task.

Common error

Avoid using "endeavoring" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "trying" or "attempting" are often more appropriate and sound less pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "endeavoring" is that of a present participle, often used to form continuous verb tenses or function as an adjective. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "endeavoring" functions as a present participle denoting an ongoing effort. While grammatically sound and common across reputable sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica, as Ludwig AI confirms, its formal tone is best suited for professional or academic writing. For more casual settings, consider simpler alternatives such as "trying" or "attempting". Using "endeavoring" adds a layer of seriousness and determination to your expression, making it a powerful choice when deliberate and purposeful action is emphasized.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

striving

A slightly more forceful and determined term, implying sustained effort.

trying

A more common and general term for making an attempt.

attempting

Similar to "trying" but often used in more formal contexts.

making an effort

A more descriptive phrase that emphasizes the exertion of effort.

seeking

Implies searching or looking for something, often in a non-physical sense.

working towards

Focuses on the ongoing process of making progress toward a goal.

aiming

Suggests having a specific target or objective in mind.

pursuing

Suggests following a course of action to achieve something.

undertaking

Often refers to starting a project or task.

laboring

Signifies working diligently, often with physical or mental exertion.

FAQs

How can I use "endeavoring" in a sentence?

"Endeavoring" is the present participle of the verb "endeavor", meaning to try hard to do or achieve something. For example, "The company is "endeavoring" to improve its customer service."

What words are similar to "endeavoring"?

Similar words include "striving", "attempting", "trying", "seeking", and "aiming". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "endeavoring" too formal for everyday writing?

While grammatically correct, "endeavoring" can sound overly formal in casual contexts. Consider using "trying" or "attempting" for a more natural tone in informal writing.

What is the difference between "endeavoring" and "trying"?

"Endeavoring" implies a more serious and sustained effort than "trying". While "trying" suggests a simple attempt, "endeavoring" suggests a committed and thoughtful approach to achieving a goal.