try as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used as a way of emphasizing that despite attempting to do something, the desired outcome is still not achieved. For example: "Try as he might, he could not pass the exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We try as hard as we can.

The New York Times

We try as fast as we can".

The Guardian

You don't have to try as hard".

The New York Times

"Maybe I won't try as hard.

The New York Times - Sports

"I try as best as I can on court".

The New York Times

These guys try as hard as they can out there.

The New York Times - Sports

"I try as hard as I can," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

I'll try as hard as I can".

BBC

But new startups will try as well.

TechCrunch

But presidents will try, as well they should.

Forbes

Meaning, that you won't try as hard.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "try as" to emphasize the futility of an action, highlighting the contrast between effort and outcome. For example, "Try as he might, he couldn't open the stubborn jar."

Common error

Avoid using "try as" when you want to highlight the effort itself, rather than the lack of success. If the effort leads to a positive outcome, phrases like "after trying" or "by trying" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try as" functions as an adverbial conjunction, introducing a clause that contrasts an effort with its lack of success. It sets up a scenario where despite making an attempt, the desired outcome is not achieved. Ludwig AI validates this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try as" is a versatile adverbial conjunction used to emphasize the futility of an action despite the effort exerted. It is considered grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news, wiki and academic contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase serves to highlight the contrast between the attempt and the resulting lack of success. When using "try as", ensure that you intend to emphasize the unsuccessful outcome, and be aware of the level of emphasis you wish to convey. Although primarily neutral in register, it can also be used in formal contexts, but it's crucial to keep the user aware of its versatility. As "Try as" can be replaced by other alternatives depending on the contexts, be sure the replacement has the closest meaning possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

However much one tries

Highlights the degree of effort made, yet still without the intended result.

No matter how hard one tries

Stresses the futility of the effort.

Although attempting

A more direct and concise way to express the idea of attempting something without success.

In spite of trying

Highlights the contrast between the attempt and the result.

Even with best efforts

Implies that the attempt was made with significant dedication.

Despite all efforts

Emphasizes the lack of success even with considerable effort.

For all one's efforts

Similar to 'despite all efforts', but slightly more formal.

Despite one's endeavors

A more formal version indicating serious and sustained effort.

Regardless of the attempt

Focuses on the lack of impact of the attempt.

With every attempt failing

Emphasizes repeated unsuccessful attempts.

FAQs

How can I use "try as" in a sentence?

The phrase "try as" is typically used to emphasize that despite someone's efforts, they are unable to achieve a desired outcome. For example, "Try as he might, he couldn't fix the broken vase."

What's a more formal way to say "try as"?

While "try as" is acceptable in many contexts, you might consider more formal alternatives like "despite all efforts" or "in spite of trying" in professional or academic writing.

Is it ever incorrect to use "try as"?

The phrase "try as" is grammatically correct, but it's crucial to ensure that it accurately reflects your intended meaning. If you want to describe success, consider other structures like "after trying."

Can "try as" be used with different pronouns?

Yes, "try as" can be used with various pronouns to indicate who is making the effort. For example, "try as I might", "try as they did", and "try as she did" are all grammatically correct.