try around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try around" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It is not commonly used, and its meaning is unclear without additional context. Example: "I will try around to see if I can find a solution."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Studies by Heriot Watt University have found a courier could try around 18 times to deliver a parcel and still emit less CO2 than someone driving to their local depot to collect it.

BBC

Covered California: 10 min, around 12 p.m... f that long Peg Abernathy: is that every day or just today Covered California: today... on the weekdays you should try around 5 p.m. for a lesser wait time in queue.

Huffington Post

If you feel weird for the first couple seconds you've done it, although for beginners you may need to try around 2 hours of practice, or for 30 minute intervals.

WikiHow

After trying around 10 times I succeeded.

The Guardian - Money

This week they came back from a "fit-for-sport day" at Willesden sports centre, having tried  around  20 different sports in one day.

The Guardian - Sport

Carbs are below 50 and try to stay around 25 but am flexible.

Harvard University

To avoid long lines try visiting around 3 p.m. or other off hours.

Huffington Post

Try starting around 6 inches from the edge.

WikiHow

Try calling around 5 businesses and see how they respond to you.

WikiHow

Try writing around 50 to a 100 for a short story or 100 to 200 if it's a long story.

WikiHow

If you are attaching the shelf to brick, try for around 5 screws.[7] If you are attaching the shelf to dry wall, drill or nail into the studs.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "try around" in formal writing. Opt for more precise and grammatically correct alternatives such as "try to estimate" or "attempt approximately" to convey the intended meaning clearly.

Common error

Don't use "try around" when you intend to convey approximation or estimation. Replace it with phrases like "aim for approximately" or "attempt to estimate" to avoid grammatical errors and improve clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try around" functions as a verb phrase combined with an adverb, but its usage is non-standard. Ludwig AI notes it is not commonly used and its meaning is unclear without additional context.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "try around" is grammatically incorrect and not recommended for use in standard English. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is rarely used. Although the intention might be to convey an attempt at approximation, clearer and more grammatically sound alternatives like "try to approximate" or "aim for approximately" are preferable. Always opt for precise language to avoid confusion and maintain credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try for roughly

Similar to "try around", but replaces "around" with "roughly" for a slightly more common expression of approximation.

aim for approximately

Indicates an intention to target a value or outcome with an element of approximation, suggesting a flexible approach.

try to approximate

Expresses the intention to estimate or come close to a certain value or outcome, shifting the focus from general trying to a specific goal of approximation.

strive for approximately

Highlights the effort and striving involved in reaching an approximate target, adding a sense of ambition.

attempt approximately

Replaces the idiomatic "try around" with a more formal and descriptive alternative using "attempt" to denote effort and "approximately" to signify estimation.

endeavor roughly

Replaces "try" with "endeavor" for a more formal tone, while retaining "roughly" to indicate approximation.

attempt to get close to

Emphasizes the act of trying to approach a target or goal, highlighting the effort involved in reaching a desired outcome.

make an attempt at estimating

Elaborates on the act of trying by specifying it as an attempt at estimating, providing a more detailed and precise expression.

seek an estimate of

Shifts the focus to seeking an estimated value, changing the phrasing from active trying to a pursuit of information.

take a shot at estimating

Uses a more colloquial expression, suggesting an informal attempt to estimate something.

FAQs

What does "try around" mean and why is it not recommended?

"Try around" is not a standard English phrase and its meaning is unclear. It's better to use more precise alternatives like "try to approximate" or "attempt approximately".

How can I use "try" and "around" correctly in a sentence?

Use "try" and "around" separately to maintain correct grammar. For example, "Try to aim around 300 calories" is grammatically incorrect. Instead, use: "Try to aim for around 300 calories."

What can I say instead of "try around" to indicate approximation?

Instead of "try around", use alternatives like "try for roughly" or "aim for approximately" to indicate approximation more effectively.

Is there a difference between "try around" and "try to estimate"?

"Try around" is grammatically incorrect and lacks a clear meaning. "Try to estimate", on the other hand, is a proper phrase indicating an attempt to make an approximation or calculation.