i am trying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I am trying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing an effort or attempt to accomplish something. Example: "I am trying to learn a new language, and it's proving to be quite challenging."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I am trying, believe me.

Independent

I am trying to change.

The New York Times

I am trying my hardest.

The New York Times

I am trying.

The New York Times - Arts

So I am trying".

The New Yorker

I am trying, Tony.

The New York Times - Arts

But I am trying to future-proof.

The New York Times

"I am trying to keep everyone calm.

The New York Times - Sports

I am trying so hard right now.

The New Yorker

I am trying to bridge this gap".

The New York Times

I am trying to convey Gareth's world.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "i am trying" to express ongoing effort or intention. Be specific about what you are trying to achieve to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Don't use "i am trying" without clarifying the goal. Vague statements can leave your audience unsure of your intentions and efforts. Instead of saying "I am trying", specify what you are trying to do: "I am trying to improve my communication skills".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i am trying" functions as a present continuous statement of intent or effort. It indicates that the speaker is currently engaged in an action or process with a specific goal in mind. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

49%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "i am trying" is a common and grammatically sound way to express ongoing effort or intention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, but also in academic settings. While "i am trying" is generally neutral in tone, clarifying the specific goal can enhance its impact. When writing, avoid vagueness by specifying what you are trying to achieve. Alternatives such as "i am attempting" or "i am working on it" can provide subtle shifts in meaning, allowing for more precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i'm doing my best

Focuses on performing to one's highest capability, regardless of outcome.

i'm making an effort

Directly states the act of putting in effort, suitable for general use.

i'm endeavoring

Formal alternative emphasizing a serious or sustained effort.

i'm working on it

Indicates active engagement in a task or problem, focusing on the process.

i'm striving

Implies a determined and ambitious effort towards a goal.

i'm giving it my all

Emphasizes the commitment of maximum effort and energy.

i'm aiming to

Highlights the intention and direction of the effort.

i'm in the process of

Highlights effort and active status of the actions.

i'm seeking to

Formal and intentional, suggesting a careful and deliberate approach.

i'm occupied with

Highlights the engagement in an activity.

FAQs

How can I use "i am trying" in a sentence?

Use "i am trying" to express an effort to accomplish something. For example: "I am trying to learn a new language" or "I am trying to be more patient".

What are some alternatives to "i am trying"?

You can use alternatives like "i am attempting", "i am endeavoring", or "i am working on it" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "i try" instead of "i am trying"?

While "I try" is grammatically correct, it expresses a general habit or intention. "I am trying" indicates a current, ongoing effort. For example, "I try to exercise regularly" (habit) vs. "I am trying to finish this report today" (current effort).

What's the difference between "i am trying" and "i am going to try"?

"I am trying" implies an ongoing effort, while "I am going to try" indicates a future intention to make an effort. For example, "I am trying to fix the car" (already working on it) vs. "I am going to try to fix the car tomorrow" (planning to work on it).