try hard for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try hard for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing effort or determination to achieve a specific goal or outcome. Example: "I will try hard for the promotion this year, putting in extra hours and improving my skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It is certain that he would try hard, for no one has tried harder throughout a successful career.

The Guardian - Sport

But in the interim, when the government itself hires the private contractors, it will try hard for better performance, perhaps by looking elsewhere.

The New York Times - Travel

Though the satiric point of making some of the plutocrats monsters out of an eighteenth-century farce eludes me, the actors try hard for vulgar panache, and they perform with professional skill.

The New Yorker

"It's credit to these players that they keep going and try hard for the club and each other".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Please try harder for Alan.

The Guardian - Sport

"Maybe I should try harder for those that didn't vote for me," he said, chuckling.

The New York Times

Jeremy must try harder for the party and dedicate some real time and effort to his preparation – the results would be worth it.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He gets all this publicity, and it only makes him try harder for attention," said Mr. Ballesteros, who lives down the block.

The New York Times

Frankly, this conspiracy needs to try harder – for any hope of traction they need to get at least Oliver Stone on board.

The Guardian - Sport

His agency, Doyle Dane Bernbach, created the "Lemon" and "Think Small" ads for Volkswagen, "You don't have to be Jewish to love Levy's real Jewish rye" and "We try harder" for Avis.

The New York Times - Arts

Friendly and polite makes the person try harder for you.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "try hard for", ensure the object you're striving for is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Try hard for success", specify "Try hard for the promotion".

Common error

While "try hard for" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can sound repetitive or simplistic. Use stronger verbs such as "strive", "endeavor", or "pursue" to add sophistication to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try hard for" functions as a verb phrase indicating an effort directed towards achieving a specific objective. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts where individuals or groups are putting forth significant effort.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try hard for" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that indicates significant effort towards a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and while its frequency is uncommon, it's found across news, media, and general online content. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "strive for" or "endeavor to achieve". Remember to clearly define the object you are trying hard for to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strive for

Focuses on the act of earnestly pursuing something, often implying ambition.

make an effort for

Emphasizes the conscious decision to invest energy in achieving something.

endeavor to achieve

Highlights a formal and determined attempt to reach a specific objective.

exert oneself for

Implies putting considerable effort and energy into a task or goal.

dedicate oneself to

Stresses a commitment of time and energy towards a specific cause or goal.

work towards

Focuses on sustained effort and progress in the direction of a particular aim.

aim for

Highlights the setting of a target and directing one's efforts to reach it.

pursue with determination

Emphasizes the resolve and persistence in following a particular course of action.

give one's best shot to

Indicates an intention to make a strong effort with no guarantee of success.

commit to achieving

Underlines the dedication and pledge to accomplish a specific outcome.

FAQs

What does "try hard for" mean?

The phrase "try hard for" means to put a lot of effort into achieving a specific goal or outcome.

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

You can use "try hard for" to describe an effort to obtain something. For example: "I will "try hard for" the scholarship."

What are some alternatives to "try hard for"?

You can use alternatives like "strive for", "make an effort for", or "work towards", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "try hard for" or "try harder for"?

Both "try hard for" and "try harder for" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Try hard for" means to make a significant effort, while "try harder for" implies increasing the effort you are already making.