he tries to

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence 'he tries to' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use this phrase when you want to describe someone's efforts in achieving something. For example, "He tries to reach the top of the mountain, but the cold conditions make it difficult for him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He tries to understand".

Independent

He tries to cook.

The New Yorker

Or, rather, he tries to.

The New York Times - Books

He tries to win again.

The New Yorker

He tries to be reassuring.

The New Yorker

He tries to get up.

The New Yorker

He tries to reassure her.

The New York Times - Books

He tries to work every day.

The New Yorker

He tries to compartmentalize his emotions.

The New York Times - Sports

But he tries to maintain perspective.

The New York Times

Now he tries to compensate with movement.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When clarity is paramount, use "he tries to" instead of more obscure synonyms. It ensures your meaning is immediately accessible to your audience.

Common error

Avoid implying success when using "he tries to". The phrase indicates an attempt, not necessarily a successful outcome. If the action was completed, use a verb that conveys completion, such as "he succeeded in" or "he managed to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he tries to" functions as a verbal phrase introducing an infinitive clause. It signifies an effort or attempt by a male subject to perform a specific action, described by the infinitive. Ludwig AI validates this construction as grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he tries to" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a male subject's efforts or attempts to perform an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It is most frequently found in News & Media sources, maintaining a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. While the phrase indicates intent, it does not guarantee success, making it crucial to consider the outcome when writing. Consider alternatives like "he attempts to" for a more formal tone or "he aims to" to highlight a specific goal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is trying to

Similar in meaning but emphasizes the ongoing nature of the effort.

he attempts to

More formal alternative, emphasizing the act of making an attempt.

he endeavors to

Highly formal, indicating a serious and determined effort.

he aims to

Suggests having a goal or objective in mind.

he seeks to

Implies a more active and directed effort toward a specific objective.

he makes an effort to

Highlights the exertion of effort in a general sense.

he sets out to

Implies starting a journey or task with a specific intention.

he stives to

Implies a determined or vigorous effort to achieve something.

he undertakes to

Formal; suggests a commitment to perform a task.

he is inclined to

Suggests a natural tendency or willingness to do something.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "he tries to"?

You can use phrases like "he attempts to", "he endeavors to", or "he aims to" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

How can I use "he tries to" in a sentence?

"He tries to" is followed by a verb in its base form. For example, "He tries to understand", "He tries to cook", or "He tries to be reassuring".

What is the difference between "he tries to" and "he is trying to"?

"He tries to" describes a general or habitual action, while "he is trying to" emphasizes an ongoing effort at a specific moment. For example, "He tries to eat healthy" (general habit) versus "He is trying to open the jar" (current effort).

Is "he tries and" grammatically correct instead of "he tries to"?

While "he tries and" is sometimes used colloquially, "he tries to" is the grammatically correct and more widely accepted form. Using "he tries to" ensures clarity and professionalism in your writing.