try earnestly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try earnestly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when encouraging someone to make a sincere and determined effort towards a task or goal. Example: "I urge you to try earnestly to improve your skills, as it will benefit you in the long run."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Others try earnestly to present proof that they are infirm enough to deserve the scarce doses of vaccine.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

People trying earnestly to get drunk.

The New York Times

The program note tried earnestly to tie the three pieces together as a series of explorations of nostalgia.

The New York Times - Arts

Since the summer, New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority has been trying earnestly to make its case for increasing fares.

The New York Times

Over the past year several television dramas have tried, earnestly but with modest success, to grapple with the subject of terrorism.

The New York Times - Arts

Time and again, Google has taken actions that it tried earnestly to explain logically, and been surprised and hurt when people didn't understand.

The Guardian - Tech

"Because it has become an insurmountable problem to induce the great majority of Jews to refrain from partaking of this drink," Rabbi Geffen wrote in his teshuva, "I have tried earnestly to find a method of permitting its usage.

The New York Times

To this end, you will often find him wandering around art openings and dance parties, dressed in a spiffy suit and pair of sneakers, trying earnestly to chat up every person in the room.

The New York Times - Magazine

The performers may have been universally known as the Beatles, but in Israel, then still trying earnestly to create a culture buffered from foreign words and influence, they were Hipushiot Haketzev, or the Beat Beetles (like the bugs).

The New York Times

They tried earnestly to follow Mr. Sharp's instructions about how to herd the sheep from the right corner to the left, but the task proved more difficult than they had thought.

The New York Times

Like two students dutifully taking a makeup exam, Vice President Al Gore and Gov. George W. Bush tried earnestly and politely last night in their second debate to make a better impression on Americans than they did the first time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "try earnestly" when you want to emphasize the sincerity and dedication behind an effort. For example, "I try earnestly to understand different perspectives before forming an opinion."

Common error

Avoid using "try earnestly" too frequently in your writing. While it conveys sincerity, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider varying your phrasing with alternatives like "make a sincere attempt" or "strive diligently".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try earnestly" functions as a verb phrase, modifying the verb "try" with the adverb "earnestly" to emphasize the sincerity and dedication behind the attempt. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try earnestly" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that emphasizes the sincerity and dedication behind an attempt. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is more common in news and media contexts, it suggests a neutral formality level. While not exceedingly common, it effectively conveys a genuine and determined effort. When writing, be mindful of overuse and consider synonyms like "make a sincere attempt" to maintain variety. Overall, "try earnestly" is a valuable phrase for conveying sincere effort in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a sincere attempt

Emphasizes the genuineness of the effort, rather than the intensity.

strive diligently

Highlights the persistence and hard work involved.

endeavor wholeheartedly

Focuses on the complete dedication of effort.

work assiduously

Implies careful and consistent effort over a period of time.

apply oneself earnestly

Highlights personal dedication and focus.

put forth a genuine effort

Emphasizes the authenticity and lack of pretense in the attempt.

attempt in good faith

Focuses on the honesty and sincerity of the attempt.

seek conscientiously

Highlights the thoroughness and moral integrity of the effort.

pursue vigorously

Emphasizes the energetic and forceful nature of the attempt.

try with all one's might

Highlights the strength and intensity of the effort.

FAQs

What does "try earnestly" mean?

"Try earnestly" means to make a sincere and determined effort to achieve something. It emphasizes the genuine intention and dedication behind the attempt.

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

You can use "try earnestly" to describe someone's dedicated effort. For example, "She "tried earnestly" to improve her grades by studying every night."

What are some alternatives to "try earnestly"?

Alternatives include "make a sincere attempt", "strive diligently", or "endeavor wholeheartedly". These phrases convey a similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

Is it better to say "try hard" or "try earnestly"?

"Try hard" is more informal and emphasizes effort. "Try earnestly" suggests a more sincere and heartfelt commitment. The best choice depends on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.