try one's best

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try one's best" is correct and usable in written English
You can use it when you want to express that someone is exerting a maximum effort to achieve a goal. For example, "He tried his best to pass the exam, but unfortunately he still failed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The lesson, if there is one, is about trying one's best to be a good boy — the story was serialized in a children's magazine — and to please one's parents.

The New Yorker

Spector acknowledged its grammatical faults as a title, but he liked it because of its relevance to the in-game struggle for power, to the medium's storytelling difficulties, to the game being played on a computer, and to the "self-referential" acceptance of trying one's best to resolve affairs.

Wikipedia

And cultivating virtues of debate — loving the truth more than winning an argument, and trying one's best to understand the viewpoint of the opponent.

The New York Times

The majority reported trying one's best as an important measure of success (8/10); however, some participants (2/10) also noted external measures, such as outcomes defined by specific field guidelines (e.g. Sphere Handbook, Salama et al. 2001).

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

Try one.

Los Angeles Times

Bode Miller's attitude ("The Mountain Comes to Miller," Jan . 25 -- trying to do one's best rather than trying to best someone else -- is refreshing and all too rare in sports.

The New York Times

In my 50-year career in this field, I know not a "beer-and-brats culture," but rather a commitment on the part of all in the F.B.I. to try to do one's best for country, government and agency.

The New York Times

Try on the ones you like best.

WikiHow

After one try out, the best of three measurements was recorded on both sides.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

Bob Arum — Mayweather's former promoter, and Pacquiao's current one — tried his best to find broader significance, treating the crowd to a heartfelt tribute to Pacquiao's home country, the Philippines; in making a case for the nation's greatness, he mentioned its history during the Second World War, its large number of nurses, and, of course, Pacquiao himself.

The New Yorker

Try your best to look your best.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "try one's best", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific goal or task to which the effort is being applied. Clarity enhances the impact of the phrase.

Common error

While acceptable, "try one's best" can sound informal in certain formal settings. Opt for stronger, more direct alternatives like "exert maximum effort" or "strive for excellence" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try one's best" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating a commitment to exert maximum effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and widely understandable expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "try one's best" is a common and grammatically sound way to express an intention to exert maximum effort. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. While versatile, it's important to consider the context: more formal situations may benefit from stronger alternatives. As shown from the examples, most frequent contexts are News & Media and Wiki. Remembering these nuances will help you use "try one's best" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do your utmost

Emphasizes the commitment of doing everything possible.

give it your all

Suggests a complete and enthusiastic effort.

exert every effort

Highlights the active application of energy and resources.

go the extra mile

Implies exceeding expectations in one's efforts.

put your best foot forward

Focuses on presenting oneself in the most favorable light through effort.

spare no effort

Indicates that no resources or energy were withheld.

leave no stone unturned

Signifies a thorough and exhaustive attempt.

do everything in your power

Highlights personal agency and control over the effort.

make every effort

Stresses the consistent and repeated application of effort.

try as hard as you can

Simple, direct way of expressing maximum effort.

FAQs

How can I use "try one's best" in a sentence?

You can use "try one's best" to indicate that someone is making a significant effort to achieve something. For example, "Despite the challenges, he decided to "try his best" to complete the project on time".

What are some alternatives to "try one's best"?

Alternatives to "try one's best" include phrases like "do your utmost", "give it your all", or "make every effort". These can add variety and nuance to your writing.

Is it correct to say "try my best" or "try to do my best"?

Both "try my best" and "try to do my best" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

What's the difference between "try one's best" and "do one's best"?

"Try one's best" implies an attempt to achieve something, while "do one's best" suggests actually performing the action to the highest possible standard. The former focuses on the effort, while the latter focuses on the execution.