try not to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try not to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to avoid a certain behavior or attitude. Example: "In stressful situations, try not to be overly critical of yourself."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I try not to be.

The New York Times - Sports

Try not to be pigeonholed.

Independent

We try not to be complacent.

The New Yorker

I try not to be judgmental myself.

The New Yorker

I try not to be so specific.

Forbes

England must try not to be tentative.

BBC

Try not to be controlling.

WikiHow

Try not to be scared.

WikiHow

Try not to be messy.

WikiHow

Try not to be obsessive.

WikiHow

Try not to be shy.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering advice, use "try not to be" followed by a specific adjective or noun that describes the unwanted state or behavior. This makes the advice clear and actionable.

Common error

Avoid using "try not to be" in overly general statements. Always specify what one should try to avoid being. For example, instead of saying "Try not to be negative", provide a more specific direction such as "Try not to be cynical about new ideas."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try not to be" primarily functions as an imperative phrase used to offer advice or guidance. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage in various contexts, offering suggestions on what action or state to avoid.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "try not to be" is a common and grammatically sound way to offer advice or guidance, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It suggests making an effort to avoid a specific state or behavior. While its usage is prevalent across various contexts, it is particularly frequent in Wiki and News & Media sources. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what one should avoid being, and consider alternatives like "avoid being" for different nuances. This phrase lends itself well to informal and neutral registers, making it a versatile tool for everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid being

Focuses on preventing a state rather than actively trying to change it.

endeavor not to be

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing the same sentiment.

make an effort not to be

Highlights the conscious effort involved in avoiding something.

strive to avoid being

Similar to 'endeavor', suggesting a determined effort to prevent something.

be sure not to be

Emphasizes the importance of avoiding a particular state.

take care not to be

Implies a need for caution and mindfulness.

refrain from being

A more formal way of saying 'avoid being'.

do not be

A direct and simple imperative to avoid a certain state.

seek not to be

Suggests a deliberate and conscious decision to not pursue something.

aim not to be

Indicates a goal of avoiding a specific situation or characteristic.

FAQs

How can I use "try not to be" in a sentence?

Use "try not to be" when you want to advise someone to avoid a particular behavior or state. For example: "When meeting new people, "try not to be shy"".

What are some alternatives to "try not to be"?

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

Is "try not to be" grammatically correct?

Yes, "try not to be" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules and is widely used in both spoken and written language.

What is the difference between "try not to be" and "don't be"?

"Try not to be" suggests an effort to avoid something, while "don't be" is a direct imperative. For instance, "Try not to be late" implies an attempt to be on time, whereas "do not be late" is a direct instruction.