has to try

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has to try" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is required or obligated to make an effort or attempt at something. Example: "She has to try her best in order to succeed in the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Still, one has to try.

The New York Times

She barely has to try.

The Guardian - Sport

"He just has to try".

The New York Times

She has to try to upgrade them.

The New York Times - Style

In many ways, Ireland has to try something audacious.

The New York Times

Sure, a woman has to try twice as hard.

The New York Times

Any underdog has to try and mix it up.

Independent

"She has to try on everything," the author says.

The New York Times

But, he said, "someone has to try to fight them".

The New York Times

So the museum has to try a bit harder.

The Guardian - Arts

So this man of action has to try something.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has to try" when indicating a necessary attempt or effort, particularly when there's an expectation or obligation involved. For example, "The student has to try their best on the exam."

Common error

Avoid using "has to try" in overly passive constructions that weaken the active voice. Instead of "Success has to be tried for", prefer "One has to try for success."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has to try" functions as a modal verb construction, indicating necessity or obligation coupled with an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English. It is used to express that someone is required to make an effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has to try" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the necessity or obligation to make an attempt. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media sources, followed by Academia and Formal & Business contexts. While alternatives exist, such as "needs to attempt" or "must endeavor", "has to try" provides a versatile and easily understood way to convey the importance of effort. Remember to use the correct conjugation ("have to try" for plural subjects) and avoid overuse in passive constructions to maintain a strong active voice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs to attempt

Similar meaning, but emphasizes the necessity of the attempt.

is required to try

Emphasizes a formal requirement or rule.

is obliged to attempt

Focuses on the obligation or duty to try.

has a responsibility to attempt

Highlights the moral or ethical dimension of trying.

must endeavor

More formal and emphasizes a serious or determined effort.

is bound to make an attempt

Suggests a commitment or promise to try.

is compelled to strive

Highlights the force or pressure to make an effort.

should make an effort

Suggests a recommendation rather than a strict requirement.

ought to try

Expresses a moral obligation or advisability.

is expected to give it a shot

Informal and emphasizes giving something a chance.

FAQs

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

Use "has to try" to indicate a necessity or obligation to make an effort. For example, "Everyone "has to try" their best to achieve their goals."

What are some alternatives to "has to try"?

You can use alternatives like "needs to attempt", "must endeavor", or "should make an effort" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "have to try" instead of "has to try"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "have to try" with plural subjects (e.g., "They have to try") and "has to try" with singular subjects (e.g., "He has to try").

What's the difference between "has to try" and "wants to try"?

"Has to try" implies a necessity or obligation, while "wants to try" indicates a desire or willingness to attempt something. The first suggests a requirement, and the second a preference.