try not to say

USAGE SUMMARY

"try not to say" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to give someone a suggestion or advice to refrain from saying something. Example: "When talking to your boss, try not to say anything negative about your colleagues. It could create a negative impression."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'll try not to say, "don't".

The Guardian - Music

"We try not to say they are 'cute' or 'happy.'happy

The New York Times

I try not to say who I am till they get to know me.

The New York Times

But try not to say Yarooh, for fear of revealing your source.

The Guardian

It's the last thing they want to hear, and we try not to say it".

The New York Times

"Russians have so many things to complain about, but they try not to say anything".

The New York Times - Arts

"I try not to say who I'm voting for because I try not to endorse".

The Guardian - Books

You just try not to say anything stupid really, just 'yes sir, no sir'.

The Guardian - Sport

"We try not to say interactive, because people get scared," Mr. Lettre said.

The New York Times

A lot of times, I have to try not to say that stuff because it's been done.

The New York Times - Sports

"We try not to say it," Mr. Davis said, looking at his team with a wry smile.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "try not to say" when advising someone to avoid certain words or phrases that could be misinterpreted or cause offense.

Common error

While "try not to say" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it excessively in highly formal writing. Consider stronger, more direct alternatives like "refrain from stating" or "avoid mentioning" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try not to say" functions as a directive or suggestion. It advises against using certain words or phrases in a particular context. According to Ludwig AI, it gives someone a suggestion or advice to refrain from saying something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try not to say" is a commonly used phrase that advises against uttering certain words or expressions, mainly to prevent misunderstandings or maintain a certain level of formality. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage in the English language. While widely applicable, it's essential to consider the context and register, opting for more formal alternatives like "refrain from stating" in professional settings. The phrase appears most frequently in news media and general-purpose guides such as WikiHow, and less often in academic or scientific writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid mentioning

Focuses on preventing the act of mentioning something specifically.

refrain from stating

A more formal way to express withholding a statement.

make a point of not saying

Indicates a deliberate decision to not say something.

make an effort not to mention

Emphasizes the effort involved in avoiding the mention of something.

be careful not to express

Highlights the caution needed to avoid expressing something.

remember not to declare

Stresses the importance of remembering to not declare something.

hold back from uttering

Suggests a conscious holding back of speech.

try to keep silent about

Implies maintaining silence regarding a topic.

take care not to articulate

Highlights the need for caution in avoiding articulation of a thought.

endeavor to not voice

A formal approach, emphasizing the effort to not voice something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "try not to say" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, you can replace "try not to say" with alternatives such as "refrain from stating", "avoid mentioning", or "endeavor to not voice".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "try not to say"?

The phrase "try not to say" is suitable for giving advice or suggestions in both informal and moderately formal settings. It is commonly used when guiding someone to avoid potentially problematic or inappropriate language.

What's the difference between "try not to say" and "avoid saying"?

"Try not to say" suggests an attempt to refrain from speaking, implying that it might be difficult. "Avoid saying" is a stronger directive, indicating a need to actively prevent oneself from speaking. The former is a suggestion, the latter a command.

How to use "try not to say" in a sentence?

You can use "try not to say" like this: "When discussing sensitive topics, "try not to say" anything that could be construed as offensive." or "In a job interview, "try not to say" anything negative about your previous employer."