left trying for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left trying for" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a sense of ongoing effort or struggle after being left behind, but the construction is awkward and unclear. Example: "After being left behind, she was left trying for a way to catch up with her friends."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It seems to me that the Giants are going to win the division, and the Dodgers will be left trying for a wild-card spot.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Roberts converted that as well as adding the late third after Mullins had left, trying not to be mistaken for Muggins.

The Guardian - Sport

President Ali Abdullah Saleh, left, tried to defuse calls for his ouster, denying claims by opponents that he planned to install his son as his successor and raising salaries for the army.

The New York Times

If you rent a satellite phone before you leave, try it out before leaving for Patagonia to make sure you understand how to use it (it is different from a cell phone) and that the unit works.

WikiHow

Abhi Siwakoti, another Bhutanese refugee, decided to leave New York City after trying for months to cover his family's expenses, including the $1,200 rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the University Avenue building.

The New York Times

Might Leave.EU try for third time lucky?

Vice

In 2004, tickets sold out within 24 hours amid much controversy over the ticket ordering process, which left potential festival goers trying for hours to connect to the overloaded telephone and internet sites.

Wikipedia

The European Commission has praised the prosecutor, Daniel Morar, left, for trying to investigate graft among senior officials and has accused Romania of blocking inquiries.

The New York Times

The circumstances have been trying for those left to pick up the pieces, but record books ignore circumstances.

BBC

She wanted space from him to think, maybe to work up the courage to leave him, to try for a different kind of life.

The New York Times

'Confidence' In a scenario too convoluted and mannered by half, a smirky con man (Edward Burns, left) and his crew try for a big score.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for a more direct and active voice to convey the intended meaning. For example, instead of "the team was left trying for a solution", use "the team continued to seek a solution".

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "left trying for" in formal writing. It often sounds unnatural and can confuse the reader. Instead, clarify the action and purpose with alternatives that specify what was being attempted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left trying for" functions as a verbal phrase indicating an action (trying) undertaken by someone who has been abandoned or remains behind. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is not the best choice due to grammatical awkwardness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "left trying for" is considered grammatically incorrect and awkward, with limited usage in contemporary English. Ludwig AI suggests that the phrase isn't ideal, and offers that its communicative purpose is to describe a situation where someone is abandoned but continues striving towards a goal. It appears mostly in news and media contexts, with a neutral to informal tone. When writing, it's best to use alternatives like "left attempting to" or "left striving for" for better clarity and grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained striving for

Emphasizes continued effort and aspiration despite being left behind.

persisted in aiming for

Highlights the unwavering commitment to a target.

was abandoned to pursue

Highlights the act of being left alone to chase a goal.

continued endeavoring toward

Stresses the ongoing effort towards a specific aim.

left to aspire to

Emphasizes the state of being abandoned with only aspirations remaining.

carried on endeavoring to

Highlights perseverance and dedication in pursuit of a goal.

found oneself seeking

Focuses on the individual's realization of their pursuit after being left.

kept working towards

Focuses on the continuous effort and progress towards a goal.

remained to grapple with

Highlights the struggle and challenge of pursuing something alone.

was tasked with achieving

Focuses on the responsibility and challenge of reaching a goal after abandonment.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "left trying for"?

You can use alternatives like "left attempting to", "left striving for", or "left to pursue" depending on the context.

Is "left trying for" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "left trying for" is not the most grammatically sound phrase. It's better to use clearer alternatives such as "left attempting to".

How can I use "left trying for" in a sentence?

While not recommended, you could structure a sentence like, "After the company closed, he was left trying for a new job." However, consider rewriting it as, "After the company closed, he was left attempting to find a new job."

What is the difference between "left trying for" and "left to try"?

"Left trying for" implies an ongoing effort towards a goal after being left behind. "Left to try" suggests having the opportunity or permission to attempt something, even though one has been left alone.