tries to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tries to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the action of someone attempting something. For example: "Randy tried to fix the broken window, but he didn't have the right tools."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sebregondi tries to explain.

The New Yorker

He tries to understand".

Independent

Or tries to.

The New York Times

He tries to cook.

The New Yorker

Patten tries to intervene.

The Guardian

Michaels tries to be reassuring.

The New Yorker

CNN tries to be fair.

The Economist

Or, rather, he tries to.

The New York Times - Books

He tries to win again.

The New Yorker

She tries to forget it.

The New Yorker

The man tries to leave.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tries to" to describe someone's attempt or effort to do something, even if the outcome is uncertain.

Common error

While "tries to" is perfectly acceptable, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "endeavors to", "seeks to", or "strives to" in formal contexts to enhance the tone and impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tries to" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an attempt or effort to perform an action. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English. The phrase is used to express that someone is making an effort, regardless of the outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tries to" is a common and grammatically correct way to express an attempt or effort to do something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's important to consider more formal alternatives like "attempts to" or "endeavors to" in certain professional settings. The usage examples provided by Ludwig highlight its prevalence and adaptability in describing actions, intentions, and efforts across different domains. When constructing sentences, "tries to" accurately portrays a subject's endeavor, regardless of the success of that endeavor. Thus, mastering "tries to" is essential for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempts to

Similar in meaning, but slightly more formal. It emphasizes the act of making an attempt.

is trying to

A more continuous and ongoing attempt, focusing on the process rather than a single attempt.

endeavors to

A more formal and emphatic way of saying "tries to", suggesting a determined effort.

is attempting to

Very similar to "is trying to" but maintains a more formal tone. It focuses on the ongoing process of making an effort.

seeks to

Indicates an effort to achieve or obtain something, often with a specific goal in mind.

aims to

Implies having a specific objective or intention, focusing on the target of the effort.

strives to

Suggests a persistent and dedicated effort, often in the face of challenges.

works to

Emphasizes the active effort and labor involved in trying to achieve something.

makes an effort to

Highlights the conscious decision and exertion of energy to accomplish something.

intends to

Describes the intention or plan to do something, differing from "tries to" by emphasizing purpose rather than immediate action.

FAQs

How do I use "tries to" in a sentence?

Use "tries to" to describe someone making an effort to do something. For example, "He "tries to" fix the car" indicates he is making an attempt, regardless of success.

What can I say instead of "tries to"?

You can use alternatives like "attempts to", "endeavors to", or "seeks to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "tries to" or "try to"?

"Tries to" is used for third-person singular subjects (he, she, it), while "try to" is used for other subjects (I, you, we, they). For example, "He "tries to" help" vs. "I "try to" help."

What's the difference between "tries to" and "intends to"?

"Tries to" implies an action or effort being made, while "intends to" indicates a plan or purpose. "He "tries to" finish the project" means he's actively working on it. "He "intends to" finish the project" means he plans to, but may not be actively working on it yet.