joking about trying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "joking about trying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a lighthearted or humorous approach to attempting something. Example: "We were joking about trying to bake a cake without a recipe, knowing it would probably turn out disastrous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I went and got married to the strongest man in the land, idolised by millions, only to face a barrage of abuse [from the public]." Khan, in comparison, seems unscathed, saying "second marriages are not easy" and joking about trying again.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

UPDATE: TMZ reports that Madonna was "joking" about trying to wear this outfit for the Met Gala, and in fact never had any intentions of even attending.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He jokes about trying to get his painting back: "She said: 'You cannot have it back.

The Guardian - Music

He made self-deprecating jokes about trying to fill Mr. Stewart's shoes, but he doesn't seem to have the same ruefully self-aware complicity with viewers.

The New York Times - Arts

But then we're offered about five or six images and three of them are jokes about trying to get us to remember how great the show was (such as pretending Springsteen made a guest appearance or flashing forward to a rave review).

Huffington Post

And so it is right and proper that it has gone to a lovely couple who have joked about trying for another baby, since they are now as wealthy as Posh and Becks.

Independent

James has joked about trying out for a professional football team — at least I assume they are jokes, a feint in the direction of Michael Jordan's famous baseball sabbatical — but the mood of his dunks is less N.F.L. than Cirque du Soleil.

The New Yorker

James has joked about trying out for a professional football team at least I assume they are jokes, a feint in the direction of Michael Jordan's famous baseball sabbatical but the mood of his dunks is less N.F.L. than Cirque du Soleil.

The New Yorker

In postseason celebrations in 1999, for instance, the Yankees used nonalcoholic Champagne in deference to the dipsomaniacal Darryl Strawberry; during Cone's perfect game in 1999, members of the Montreal Expos joked about trying to hit the ball to Chuck Knoblauch, the second baseman who'd suddenly, inexplicably forgotten how to throw.

The New York Times - Books

Sinatra's mobster friend Sam Giancana joked about trying to hire him away; Jacobs later observed that Giancana, the late Mafia boss accused by conspiracy theorists in the JFK assassination, "had the most perfectly manicured hands and nails I had ever seen".

Los Angeles Times

Sexual harassment and online threats against women aren't something to joke about or try out in service of some imagined greater good: believe me, no good came of this.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "joking about trying" to convey a sense of lightheartedness or lack of seriousness regarding an attempt or action. It suggests that the action isn't meant to be taken seriously.

Common error

Avoid using "joking about trying" when the situation requires a serious or committed tone. It can undermine the importance of the action or intention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "joking about trying" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used as part of a larger clause to describe an action or attitude. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. It describes making light of an attempt or potential action.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "joking about trying" is a verbal phrase used to express a lighthearted or unserious attitude toward an attempted action. Ludwig confirms its validity, although it is relatively rare. It is generally used in neutral to informal contexts, particularly in news and media. While grammatically correct, it's crucial to consider the context and desired tone, as using it in formal situations might undermine the seriousness of the subject matter. Alternatives like "kidding about attempting" or "laughing about attempting" can provide similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. Always ensure the level of seriousness conveyed aligns with the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kidding about attempting

Replaces "joking" with "kidding" offering a more informal tone.

laughing about attempting

Substitutes "joking" with "laughing", focusing more on the amusement aspect.

jesting about endeavoring

Uses more formal synonyms, "jesting" for "joking" and "endeavoring" for "trying".

teasing about attempting

Replaces "joking" with "teasing", implying a playful or mocking tone.

being facetious about attempting

Replaces "joking" with "being facetious", emphasizing a more ironic or sarcastic humor.

playfully considering trying

Emphasizes the lighthearted consideration of an attempt.

humorously contemplating attempting

Highlights the humorous thought process before a potential try.

lightheartedly toying with the idea of trying

Focuses on the casual and unserious nature of the consideration.

mocking the attempt

Focuses on the attempt after it has occurred

acting humorously about attempting

Focuses on the performance aspect of the humor.

FAQs

How can I use "joking about trying" in a sentence?

You can use "joking about trying" to describe a situation where someone is making light of an attempt or potential action. For example, "He was joking about trying to win the lottery, but he still bought a ticket".

What are some alternatives to "joking about trying"?

You can use alternatives like "kidding about attempting", "laughing about attempting", or "playfully considering trying" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "joking about trying" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "joking about trying" might be too informal for formal writing. Consider using more serious alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

What does "joking about trying" imply?

It implies that the speaker or subject is not entirely serious about the action they are attempting, suggesting a playful or unserious attitude.