try not to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try not to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are asking someone to not do something or when you are warning them of the potential consequences if they do. For example: "Try not to be late to the meeting or your boss may get mad."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Try not to panic".

The New Yorker

Try not to choke.

The Economist

I try not to".

The New York Times - Magazine

I try not to listen.

Independent

Try not to prejudge.

WikiHow

Try not to look.

WikiHow

Try not to fall.

WikiHow

Try not to change.

WikiHow

Try not to stutter.

WikiHow

Try not to overpack.

WikiHow

Try not to daydream.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving advice, use "try not to" followed by a specific action. This makes your guidance clear and actionable.

Common error

While "try not to" is perfectly acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound hesitant. In formal contexts, consider stronger, more direct alternatives like "avoid" or "refrain from."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try not to" functions as a directive or an exhortation. It is used to advise or encourage someone to avoid a particular action or behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

74%

News & Media

24%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "try not to" is a common and grammatically sound way to advise someone to avoid a particular action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in providing practical guidance. While acceptable in most situations, more formal alternatives like "avoid" or "refrain from" may be preferable in certain settings. When using "try not to", ensure your advice is clear and actionable for the best impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take care not to

Highlights the need for caution to prevent something.

be sure to avoid

Emphasizes the importance of preventing something.

make an effort not to

Highlights the conscious effort required to abstain from something.

work towards avoiding

Indicates a continuous effort to steer clear of something.

remember not to

Serves as a reminder to avoid a specific action.

endeavor to avoid

Implies a more formal and deliberate attempt to prevent something.

be mindful not to

Encourages being aware and cautious to prevent something.

aim to prevent

Focuses on proactively stopping something from happening.

do your best to resist

Emphasizes resisting a strong urge or temptation.

see if you can refrain from

Suggests testing one's ability to abstain from something.

FAQs

How do I use "try not to" in a sentence?

"Try not to" is typically followed by a verb, indicating an action you should attempt to avoid. For example, "Try not to be late" or "Try not to overthink it".

What are some alternatives to "try not to"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "endeavor to avoid", "make an effort not to", or "take care not to".

Is it better to say "try not to" or "avoid"?

"Try not to" suggests an attempt to prevent something, while "avoid" implies a more definitive action to stay away from something. The best choice depends on the level of certainty and control you want to convey.

Can "try not to" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "try not to" is grammatically correct, but in very formal writing, stronger and more direct alternatives may be preferred. Consider using "refrain from" or "avoid" for a more authoritative tone.