try and be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try and be" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a common phrase used to indicate attempting or striving to do something. Example: "I will try and be more patient with my siblings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't try and be a script.

The New York Times

You try and be smart".

The New York Times - Sports

"I try and be truthful.

The Guardian - Film

I can't try and be a lawyer.

The New York Times - Sports

"I try and be honest," Feely said.

The New York Times - Sports

Can't he just try and be nice?

The Guardian - Sport

She says "I try and be truthful.

The Guardian - Film

You have to try and be yourself.

The Guardian

But we did try and be patient.

The Guardian

Nor should it try and be.

The Guardian

Or you try and be free".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone, use "try and be" followed by the desired attribute (e.g., "Try and be patient", "Try and be understanding"). This encourages a positive approach to self-improvement.

Common error

While "try and be" is acceptable in everyday conversation, consider using more formal alternatives like "attempt to be" or "strive to be" in academic or professional contexts for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try and be" functions as an imperative expression, typically used to provide advice or encouragement. It combines the verb "try" with a conjunction "and" followed by the infinitive "be", indicating an effort toward a desired state. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

48%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "try and be" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to encourage or advise a specific behavior or state of being. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. It's predominantly found in news media and wiki sources, indicating its acceptance in both casual and general informative contexts. While perfectly acceptable in most situations, consider more formal alternatives like "attempt to be" or "strive to be" in professional or academic settings. Remember the context when using the phrase "try and be", and always strive to be clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strive to be

Replaces "try and" with the more formal "strive to", suggesting a determined effort.

aim to be

Substitutes "try and" with "aim to", indicating a specific goal or intention.

attempt to be

Uses "attempt to" instead of "try and", conveying a more deliberate and potentially less casual effort.

endeavor to be

Replaces "try and" with "endeavor to", which is a more formal and earnest way of expressing effort.

seek to be

Replaces "try and" with "seek to", suggesting a determined search or pursuit of a particular state.

aspire to be

Uses "aspire to" instead of "try and", suggesting a higher level of ambition or desire.

make an effort to be

Elaborates on the attempt, emphasizing the exertion of effort.

work towards being

Focuses on the ongoing process of trying to achieve a state, rather than a single attempt.

do your best to be

Highlights the commitment to exert maximum effort towards achieving a state.

make every effort to be

Emphasizes the comprehensiveness of the effort being made.

FAQs

How can I use "try and be" in a sentence?

You can use "try and be" to encourage a specific behavior or state of being. For example, "When meeting new people, "try and be" friendly" suggests making an effort to show friendliness.

What can I say instead of "try and be"?

Alternatives include "strive to be", "attempt to be", or "aim to be", depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it better to say "try to be" or "try and be"?

Both "try to be" and ""try and be"" are commonly used and generally acceptable. Some consider "try to be" more grammatically correct, but ""try and be"" is widely understood and frequently used in informal contexts.

What is the difference between "try and be" and "attempt to be"?

"Try and be" is more casual and conversational, while "attempt to be" sounds more formal and deliberate. Use the former in everyday speech and the latter in more formal writing or speaking situations.