tries hard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tries hard" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's efforts, for example: "John always tries hard to do his best."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Alexander tries hard.

The Guardian - Books

Mamady Sidibe tries hard.

The Guardian - Sport

The movie tries hard to look real.

The New York Times

Though visibly uncomfortable, the cast tries hard.

The New York Times

Eleanor tries hard to be hip.

The New York Times - Books

But T. Jefferson Parker tries hard.

The New York Times - Books

But he tries hard to be articulate.

The New York Times

Call me a brother who tries hard.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"He tries hard every time," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

Jim tries hard, but his work just isn't good enough.

Harvard University

Brolin tries hard, but he can't fill the dead air.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tries hard" to describe someone's consistent and noticeable efforts, especially when the outcome is uncertain. For example: "She "tries hard" to balance work and family."

Common error

While acceptable, overusing "tries hard" can make your writing sound simplistic. Consider more sophisticated synonyms like "endeavors", "strives", or "exerts effort" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tries hard" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate to describe the action of exerting considerable effort. It indicates the subject's commitment and dedication to a task, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tries hard" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone's effort and determination. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase functions as a verb phrase with a neutral register, widely used in news media and academic contexts. While "tries hard" is generally acceptable, varying your language with synonyms like "makes an effort" or "gives it their all" can enhance your writing style. Remember to consider the context and intended emphasis when choosing the most appropriate phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gives it their all

Highlights the totality of effort and commitment.

makes an effort

Focuses on the action of putting in effort, slightly less intense than "tries hard".

goes the extra mile

Suggests exceeding expectations and putting in more effort than required.

puts in the work

Emphasizes the labor and dedication involved.

is dedicated to

Highlights commitment and devotion to a task or goal.

exerts considerable effort

Highlights the amount of energy expended.

strives for excellence

Suggests a pursuit of high standards and quality.

applies oneself diligently

Emphasizes a focused and methodical approach.

endeavors to succeed

Implies a formal and determined attempt to achieve a goal.

labors tirelessly

Emphasizes persistent and unyielding effort.

FAQs

How can I use "tries hard" in a sentence?

You can use "tries hard" to describe someone's efforts: "He "tries hard" to improve his grades." It indicates consistent effort and determination.

What can I say instead of "tries hard"?

You can use alternatives like "makes an effort", "gives it their all", or "strives for excellence" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "try hard" instead of "tries hard"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "try hard" for plural subjects (e.g., "They try hard"). Use "tries hard" for singular subjects (e.g., "He tries hard").

What's the difference between "tries hard" and "works hard"?

"Tries hard" emphasizes the effort itself, regardless of the outcome. "Works hard" implies consistent effort and dedication toward a specific goal, often with the expectation of tangible results.