try not to be so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try not to be so" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to avoid a certain behavior or attitude that is perceived as negative or excessive. Example: "I appreciate your enthusiasm, but try not to be so overbearing in meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

I try not to be so judgmental, to show people more love.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Try not to be so nervous about entering the "real world".

The New York Times

You look at the situation that presents itself and try not to be so focused on one plan that you don't see other opportunities.

The New York Times

To which I respond: "OK, in a minute, just let me find the press release and please try not to be so rude in future".

The Guardian

"I try not to be so anthropomorphic about it; I try not to turn it into a religion," Mike Reynolds told me one afternoon at his condo a few blocks from the beach.

The New York Times - Magazine

After performing the show at comedy clubs on Long Island (rather than in Manhattan, where, Mr. Quinn said, "you feel people are like, 'Hey, try not to be so smart; we're trying to drink here' "), he mentioned the project to Mr. Seinfeld, who volunteered his help.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

And I have tried not to be so anxious.

The New York Times - Sports

I was simply living, working, living, working, bothered by interruptions but trying not to be so bothered.

The New York Times - Arts

(A complete retrospective of Pixar animated films concludes with "The Incredibles" (2004), the Oscar-winning story of the Parr family, superheroes trying not to be so super).

The New York Times

And so, while I'm thrilled about the outcome of my personal story, I'm also trying not to be so solipsistic as to think that everyone else shares in my glee.

The New York Times

It was suggested that we try not to be seen, so I found myself sitting on the floor of the bus in the middle of an impending revolution.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "try not to be so", follow it with a specific adjective or adverb that describes the unwanted behavior or attitude. This makes the advice clear and actionable.

Common error

Avoid using "try not to be so" vaguely. Always specify what behavior or attitude should be avoided. Instead of saying "try not to be so", be specific by saying "try not to be so critical" or "try not to be so loud".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try not to be so" functions primarily as an imperative, specifically offering advice or a recommendation. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct. It is used to encourage someone to modify their behavior or attitude in a particular situation, aiming for a more desirable outcome.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

41%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try not to be so" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for advising against specific behaviors or attitudes. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it's generally correct, though its appropriateness varies with context. While versatile, it's more suitable for neutral to informal settings. To maximize its effectiveness, specify the behavior you're addressing and consider alternatives for more formal scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to not be so

Replaces "try" with "attempt", suggesting a slightly more formal or deliberate effort.

make an effort not to be so

Similar in meaning but emphasizes the conscious effort involved.

aim not to be so

Focuses on the intention or goal of avoiding a particular trait.

endeavor not to be so

Uses "endeavor" which conveys a more serious or determined attempt than "try".

strive not to be so

Implies a continuous and persistent effort to avoid a certain behavior.

make a point of not being so

Emphasizes the deliberate and conscious decision to avoid a specific behavior.

do your best not to be so

Adds a sense of encouragement and personal commitment to the advice.

see if you can avoid being so

Introduces a sense of uncertainty or possibility in achieving the desired change.

be sure not to be so

Highlights the importance and necessity of avoiding the specified behavior.

mind not being so

A more direct and slightly informal way of telling someone to be careful about their behavior.

FAQs

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

You can use "try not to be so" when advising someone to avoid a certain behavior or attitude. For example, "I appreciate your enthusiasm, but "try not to be so" overbearing in meetings".

What's a more formal way to say "try not to be so"?

For a more formal tone, you could say "attempt to avoid being so" or "make an effort not to be so". These alternatives convey a more deliberate and considered approach.

What are some alternatives to "try not to be so" that are less direct?

Instead of directly advising someone, you could say "it might be helpful to consider" or "perhaps it would be beneficial to". These soften the advice and make it less confrontational.

Is it grammatically correct to say "try and not be so" instead of "try not to be so"?

While "try and" is sometimes used colloquially, "try not to" is generally considered more grammatically correct and clearer in formal writing. Using "try not to" avoids potential ambiguity.