try hard

USAGE SUMMARY

"try hard" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English, and can be used in place of "work hard" or "make an effort." For example, you might write a sentence such as, "He tried hard to get the job done on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And they try hard.

The Economist

Those Mariners... try hard".

The New York Times - Magazine

We're going to try hard.

The New York Times

It's clear they didn't try hard enough".

The New York Times

You need relaxed players who try hard".

The New York Times - Sports

We will have to try hard".

Independent

Oh, does it ever try hard!

The New York Times - Arts

I try hard to fight against them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We try hard to make trade-offs.

The Guardian - Tech

But you'd have to try hard".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

God, what a try-hard.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "try hard" to convey sincere effort and dedication. It's suitable for informal and semi-formal contexts when you want to emphasize the active attempt to achieve something.

Common error

While "try hard" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "strive", "endeavor", or "make a concerted effort" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try hard" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate in a sentence. Ludwig AI shows that the phrase is used to describe the action of putting forth significant effort towards a goal. It emphasizes the act of attempting with considerable dedication.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try hard" is a common phrase used to express significant effort and dedication. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and acceptability in various contexts, particularly in news and media, and informal writing. While suitable for general use, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives like "strive" or "endeavor" in academic or professional settings. Remember to use "try hard" to convey sincerity and active attempts, but avoid overusing it in contexts that demand a more sophisticated tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do your best

This phrase emphasizes the importance of giving the best effort possible, regardless of the outcome.

make an effort

This alternative is a more general way of saying "try hard", focusing on the act of putting in effort.

give it your all

This phrase conveys a sense of total commitment and maximum effort.

go the extra mile

This idiom suggests exceeding expectations and putting in more effort than is strictly necessary.

work diligently

This phrase emphasizes the consistent and dedicated nature of the effort.

strive

This single word suggests a sustained effort to achieve a goal.

push oneself

This phrase highlights the act of challenging personal limits and exceeding expectations.

exert oneself

This alternative suggests a significant level of effort and energy being expended.

endeavor

This alternative has a more formal tone, suitable for professional or academic settings.

put your back into it

This idiom implies a physical and determined effort towards a task.

FAQs

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

You can use "try hard" to describe someone's effort or dedication to achieving something. For example, "He "did you try hard enough" to pass the test?" or "They "try hard to succeed" despite the challenges".

What are some alternatives to "try hard"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "make an effort", "do your best", or "exert oneself".

Is "try hard" appropriate for formal writing?

While acceptable, "try hard" is more suitable for informal or semi-formal contexts. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "endeavor" or "strive" to maintain a professional tone.

What does it mean when someone says "try harder"?

Saying "try harder" typically means that the person believes you are not putting in enough effort and encourages you to increase your dedication and effort to achieve the desired outcome.