she is trying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she is trying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone making an effort to accomplish something or to indicate that they are currently engaged in an attempt. Example: "She is trying to learn a new language, dedicating an hour each day to practice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

She is trying.

The Guardian

She is trying to change that perception.

The New York Times

She is trying to pull away.

The New York Times

She is trying to seduce him.

The New Yorker

She is trying to quit.

The New York Times

Alexievich says she is trying "something new".

The Guardian - Books

But, she says, she is trying.

The New York Times

She is trying to remain calm.

The New Yorker

"She is trying to sex you.

The New Yorker

"She is trying to repair the mistakes of old governments.

Independent

She is trying to make her third Olympic team.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "she is trying", ensure that the context clearly indicates what she is trying to do. Clarity enhances understanding and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "she is trying" to describe completed actions. The phrase indicates an ongoing effort, not a finished task. For instance, don't say "She is trying to fix the car yesterday"; instead, say "She tried to fix the car yesterday".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she is trying" functions as a present continuous verb phrase, describing an action that is in progress. It indicates an ongoing effort or attempt by the subject. As Ludwig suggests, it is a common and grammatically sound construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "she is trying" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase indicating an ongoing effort or attempt. As Ludwig confirms, its neutral register makes it suitable for a variety of contexts, including news, business, and casual conversation. The phrase functions as a present continuous verb phrase, conveying that the subject is actively engaged in pursuing a goal or overcoming a challenge. When using "she is trying", ensure clarity by specifying what the subject is attempting to do and avoid using it to describe completed actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she is attempting

Replaces "trying" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing the act of making an attempt.

she is making an effort

Replaces "trying" with a more descriptive phrase, explicitly stating that effort is being exerted.

she is striving

Replaces "trying" to emphasize continuous and forceful effort towards a goal.

she is endeavoring

Substitutes "trying" with a more elevated and formal term, highlighting a serious and sustained effort.

she is giving it her best

Emphasizes that she is applying her maximum effort to achieve a desired outcome.

she is working on it

Changes the structure to focus on the ongoing effort related to a specific task or problem.

she is giving it a shot

Presents a more casual and informal way of saying she is attempting something.

she is having a go

Offers a British English alternative, implying an attempt or effort, often in a playful context.

she's giving it a whirl

Suggests a casual and experimental attempt, often with no strong expectation of success.

she is testing the waters

Implies she is cautiously exploring a new situation or opportunity.

FAQs

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

You can use "she is trying" to describe an ongoing effort or attempt. For example, "She is trying to improve her public speaking skills" or "She is trying to find a new job".

What are some alternatives to "she is trying"?

You can use alternatives like "she is attempting", "she is striving", or "she is endeavoring" to add variety to your writing.

Is "she is trying" grammatically correct?

Yes, "she is trying" is grammatically correct. It uses the present continuous tense to describe an action that is currently in progress. Ludwig confirms this usage.

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

"She is trying" indicates an ongoing effort, while "she tries" suggests a habitual action. For example, "She is trying to learn Spanish" means she is currently making an effort, whereas "she tries to learn Spanish every day" indicates a regular activity.