it tries to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it tries to" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used in a variety of situations, typically to describe an action or attempt by an unspecified subject. For example: - "The new software has a feature that tries to automatically correct spelling errors." - "Despite its limited resources, the small community tries to provide support for those in need." - "In this scene, the protagonist tries to escape from the villain's clutches."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Desperately, it tries to fix its life to her life.

The New Yorker

However, the strategy becomes confusing when it tries to explain its theoretical base.

Health Policy and Planning

Well, it tries to sell advertisements alongside its videos.

The New Yorker

It tries to change the world.

The New Yorker

It tries to makes sense of things.

The New York Times

It tries to make the imponderable ponderable".

The New Yorker

And it tries to ignore party affiliations.

The New York Times

So it tries to control them indirectly.

The Economist

It tries to connect to the database.

Stanford University

It tries to reference and honour Breaking Bad and it tries to be its own animal.

Independent

It tries to stir up controversy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it tries to" when you want to describe an action someone or something is attempting, even if the outcome is uncertain. This phrase is versatile and suitable for various contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "it tries to" when the subject "it" is unclear or ambiguous. Always ensure the pronoun has a clear antecedent to maintain clarity in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it tries to" primarily functions as a verb phrase expressing an attempt or effort. According to Ludwig, it's a common construction used to indicate that a subject is making an effort to achieve something. The examples demonstrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

21%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it tries to" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression in English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to denote an attempt or effort exerted by a subject. Its application spans across diverse contexts, including news, scientific discourse, and academic writing, reflecting its versatility. While generally neutral in tone, it maintains relevance in professional and formal settings. To enhance clarity, ensure that the pronoun "it" has a clear antecedent. Considering alternatives like "it attempts to" or "it aims to" can provide nuanced expressions depending on the intended meaning. Ludwig underscores its widespread acceptance and practical utility in conveying intention and effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it attempts to

A more direct and neutral alternative.

it aims to

Focuses on the intention or goal.

it seeks to

Emphasizes the pursuit of something.

it endeavors to

Suggests a more formal and earnest attempt.

it strives to

Indicates a sustained and determined effort.

it makes an effort to

Highlights the exertion of effort.

it sets out to

Implies a deliberate initiation of an action.

it undertakes to

Suggests a formal commitment to doing something.

it endeavors towards

Emphasizes the effort directed toward a goal.

it works to

Focuses on the practical actions taken.

FAQs

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

The phrase "it tries to" is generally used to express an attempt made by something or someone. For example, "The software "it tries to" correct errors automatically".

What are some alternatives to "it tries to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "it attempts to", "it aims to", or "it endeavors to".

Is "it tries and" correct instead of "it tries to"?

No, the correct form is "it tries to". The phrase "it tries and" is grammatically incorrect. Always use "it tries to" followed by a verb in its base form.

What's the difference between "it tries to" and "it is trying to"?

"It tries to" describes a general or habitual attempt, while "it is trying to" describes a current, ongoing attempt. For example, ""it tries to" improve its services" (general), versus "it is trying to fix a bug right now" (current).