try and take

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try and take" is commonly used in spoken English, but it is considered less formal in written English.
You can use it when suggesting an attempt to do something, often implying a dual action. Example: "I will try and take the lead on this project."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They try and take ours apart".

The New York Times

We try and take theirs apart.

The New York Times

I try and take these things with good grace.

The New York Times

I try and take that and bring that over here.

The New York Times

You try and take whatever the defense gives you".

The New York Times - Sports

Instead of rushing the stroke, try and take long glides.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"You don't give it and try and take it back".

The New York Times

I was basically there to try and take his job.

The New York Times - Sports

It's my job to try and take them".

The New York Times - Sports

Others want to try and take the party with him.

The Guardian

"I try and take every action I can").

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Remember that "try and take" often implies a sequence of actions, where the attempt precedes the taking.

Common error

Avoid using "try and take" in academic papers or business reports; it might be perceived as too colloquial. Opt for alternatives like "endeavor to take" or "attempt to acquire" for a more professional impression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try and take" functions as a conjunction phrase, linking the act of trying with the subsequent action of taking. As Ludwig AI indicates, this structure is generally acceptable, though less formal than alternatives such as "try to take".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

21%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "try and take" is a common expression used to suggest an attempt to acquire or achieve something. While generally understood, it's considered less formal than alternatives like "try to take" or "attempt to take". As Ludwig AI clarifies, in formal writing, it's advisable to use these alternatives. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts. When deciding whether to use "try and take", consider the formality of your writing and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to seize

Replaces "try and" with a more formal "attempt to" and "take" with "seize", implying a forceful acquisition.

aim to capture

Substitutes "try and" with "aim to", indicating a directed effort, and "take" with "capture", suggesting a planned acquisition.

seek to gain

Replaces "try and" with "seek to", implying a deliberate pursuit, and "take" with "gain", suggesting a gradual acquisition.

endeavor to secure

Offers a formal alternative, replacing "try and" with "endeavor to" and "take" with "secure", implying an effort to ensure possession.

strive to obtain

Replaces "try and" with "strive to", suggesting a dedicated effort, and "take" with "obtain", indicating a formal acquisition.

make an effort to grab

Emphasizes effort and quick action, replacing "try and take" with a more descriptive phrase.

work to attain

Highlights the effort involved in achieving something, swapping "try and take" for a more focused and diligent approach.

aspire to snatch

Suggests ambition and speed, changing "try and take" to a goal-oriented and swift action.

venture to appropriate

Presents a formal and potentially risky attempt to take, substituting "try and" with "venture to" and "take" with "appropriate".

undertake to assume

Implies a responsibility and a commitment to take control, swapping "try and" for "undertake to" and "take" for "assume".

FAQs

Is "try and take" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, "try and take" is considered less formal. "Try to take" is often preferred in formal writing. Both are generally understood, but the latter adheres more strictly to grammatical conventions.

What's a more formal alternative to "try and take"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "attempt to take", "endeavor to take", or "seek to acquire".

When is it appropriate to use "try and take"?

"Try and take" is suitable for informal conversations and casual writing. It's often used when suggesting an action or describing an effort in everyday situations.

What does "try and take" imply?

"Try and take" suggests an attempt to perform an action, with the understanding that success isn't guaranteed. It implies a dual action: first trying, then potentially taking if the attempt is successful.