is trying to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is trying to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone making an effort to achieve something or to indicate an ongoing action. Example: "She is trying to learn a new language to improve her communication skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ashima is trying to optimize.

The New Yorker

He is trying to quit.

The Economist

"Everybody is trying to survive.

The New York Times

He is trying to address their concerns".

The New York Times

It is trying to sell something.

The New York Times

"Ahmadinejad is trying to demonstrate his mastery".

The New York Times

A foreigner is trying to learn Portuguese!

The Economist

"He is trying to turn N.Y.U.

The New York Times

Reading itself is trying to compete".

The New York Times

Cole is trying to stay humble.

The New York Times - Sports

Iran is trying to do the same.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is trying to" to describe an ongoing effort or attempt, particularly when the outcome is uncertain. It effectively conveys the process of working towards a goal.

Common error

While "is trying to" is versatile, avoid overusing it in formal contexts. Opt for more precise verbs that convey the specific action being attempted, such as "is attempting", "is endeavoring", or "is striving", for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is trying to" functions as a verbal phrase indicating an action in progress or an attempt to achieve something. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts, from personal efforts to political strategies. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is trying to" is a versatile and commonly used verbal phrase that indicates an ongoing effort or attempt. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently across various contexts, especially in news and media. While alternatives like "is attempting to" exist, "is trying to" maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. To enhance writing, consider using more precise verbs in formal contexts and be mindful of overuse. With its widespread applicability, "is trying to" remains a valuable tool for expressing intention and effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is attempting to

This alternative shares the same meaning of making an effort with "is trying to", but sounds slightly more formal.

is working to

Emphasizes the active process of working towards a goal.

is aiming to

This implies a specific goal or target, while "is trying to" can be more general.

is striving to

Indicates a significant and persistent effort, often against obstacles.

is seeking to

Suggests a deliberate and focused effort to find or achieve something.

is looking to

Similar to 'aiming to', but often used in a business context to indicate future plans.

is endeavoring to

Conveys a more formal and earnest effort than "is trying to".

is hoping to

Implies a desire and expectation, but with less certainty of success than "is trying to".

is keen to

Implies enthusiasm or eagerness in the attempt.

is set to

Indicates that preparations have been made and the action is likely to occur.

FAQs

What does "is trying to" mean?

The phrase "is trying to" indicates that someone is making an effort or attempting to do something. It implies an action that is currently in progress but not necessarily completed.

How can I use "is trying to" in a sentence?

You can use "is trying to" to describe someone's ongoing efforts. For example, "She "is trying to learn" a new language" or "He "is trying to improve" his skills".

What are some alternatives to "is trying to"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is attempting to", "is aiming to", or "is working to". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "is trying to" and "is attempting to"?

While both phrases have similar meanings, "is attempting to" is often considered slightly more formal than "is trying to". In most everyday contexts, they are interchangeable.