try and solve

USAGE SUMMARY

"try and solve" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to suggest that the person to whom you are speaking should make an attempt to solve a problem. For example, "Let's try and solve this issue together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"He feels this is the moment to try and solve this problem".

The New York Times

"Kathleen said, 'Let's try and solve some of these problems without guitar,' " Mr. Waits said.

The New York Times - Arts

Click here to watch the clip and try and solve the mystery.

The Guardian - Film

"I think it's outlandish if you don't first try and solve the problem here," she said.

The New York Times

The murder was a mystery, but the local coroner was determined to try and solve the crime.

Independent

"I tried to use the trapping method I'd already learned to try and solve the radio-krypton dating problem.

The New York Times - Science

There are situations that are amazing, and it's very difficult to try and solve the situation in the best way".

The Guardian - Sport

There's so often a price to pay, whether it's embarrassment or fear or abuse sometimes, when you try and solve a stranger's problem.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As with so many problems of this kind, planners and policy makers are increasingly looking to technology to try and solve them.

The Guardian

With the Polymath projects, mathematicians use the web as an entirely open research forum to try and solve mathematical questions on blogs and wikis.

The Guardian

Days before Spurs fired both their manager and his assistants, Utrecht thought they'd try and solve the status quo in a new way.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "try and solve", ensure it's followed by a clear and specific problem. This provides context and makes the sentence more impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "try and solve" in situations where a definite solution is required. It implies uncertainty, which may not be appropriate in formal or critical contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try and solve" functions as a verb phrase indicating an effort or attempt to find a solution to a problem. It suggests taking action to resolve an issue, as demonstrated in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try and solve" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express an effort to find a solution to a problem. As Ludwig AI also confirms, it's widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and formal business settings. While versatile, it's more suited for neutral to informal communication. For more formal contexts, alternatives such as "attempt to resolve" or "seek to solve" might be more appropriate. Remember to ensure clarity and specificity when using "try and solve" to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make an effort to solve

Highlights the exertion of energy to find a solution.

attempt to resolve

Emphasizes the effort to bring about a resolution.

aim to solve

Emphasizes the goal-oriented nature of the effort.

seek to solve

Highlights the intention and search for a solution.

strive to resolve

Suggests a determined and persistent effort.

endeavor to fix

Implies a dedicated effort to correct something.

undertake to solve

Highlights the formal or committed nature of the effort.

work towards a solution

Focuses on the ongoing effort and progress.

take steps to resolve

Indicates specific actions being taken.

explore solutions for

Suggests a thorough investigation to find answers.

FAQs

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

You can use "try and solve" to indicate an attempt to find a solution to a problem. For example, "Let's try and solve this issue together".

What are some alternatives to "try and solve"?

Alternatives include "attempt to resolve", "seek to solve", or "make an effort to solve".

Is it more appropriate to say "try to solve" or "try and solve"?

"Try to solve" and "try and solve" are both acceptable. The latter is more informal and common in spoken English, while the former is slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "try and solve" and "attempt to solve"?

"Attempt to solve" ("attempt to solve") is more formal and emphasizes the effort being made, while "try and solve" is more casual and implies a less certain outcome.