try to abide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to abide" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when encouraging someone to make an effort to follow rules, guidelines, or expectations. Example: "I hope you can try to abide by the new office policies to ensure a harmonious work environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

And when I run in Beijing, I'm going to try to abide by my coach's advice.

The New York Times - Sports

"What we try to abide by as United States Marines is that we are above that," he told the recruits.

The New York Times

"You try to live your life a certain way and you try to abide by the rules," he continued.

The New York Times

It barely has any standards or values whatsoever, but it does try to abide by the rule: don't make fun of a trained killer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All would be higher than the levels expected this year, even as those countries try to abide by the belt-tightening terms of international bailouts.

The New York Times

Most skillfully, she dictates terms to celebrity magazines involving their coverage of her and her family, editors say, creating an awkward situation for publications that try to abide by strict journalistic standards.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

They tried to abide by that rule Friday, but a couple of whispered "Let's go Yankees!" could be heard.

The New York Times - Sports

In most cases, prayer organizers have tried to abide by the court ruling by bypassing school administrators.

The New York Times

Easier said than done, especially when trying to abide by a $189 million salary ceiling to avoid a big luxury tax payment.

The New York Times - Sports

A French military pilot, no doubt trying to abide by his country's 35-hour workweek, flies off, leaving Pitt stranded with Israeli zombies.

The New York Times

The delegation for Barbados, for example, wrote last year about the trouble it might encounter imposing new rules while trying to abide by trade agreements.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "try to abide", ensure the context clearly indicates what rules, laws, or guidelines are being followed. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "try to abide" when the situation requires strict adherence without any room for flexibility. In scenarios where absolute compliance is mandatory, stronger verbs like "must", "shall", or "is required to" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to abide" functions as a verb phrase expressing an intention or effort to adhere to a set of rules, laws, or principles. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is usable in written English, encouraging someone to make an effort to follow rules, guidelines, or expectations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "try to abide" is a common and grammatically correct way to express an intention to follow rules or guidelines. As Ludwig AI confirms, it encourages effort in adhering to expectations. While it’s appropriate for many situations, it’s important to recognize contexts where stricter compliance is necessary. Alternatives like "attempt to comply" offer similar meanings with varying degrees of formality. Remember to clearly specify what is being abided by to prevent any confusion. Predominantly used in news, wiki and scientific contents, is a sign of a good adoption and diffusion across multiple domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to comply

Focuses on compliance as the goal, emphasizing a formal effort to meet requirements.

make an effort to obey

Highlights the effort involved in obeying rules or commands.

seek to adhere

Implies a deliberate attempt to closely follow rules or principles.

strive to follow

Emphasizes the continuous effort and dedication required to adhere to something.

endeavor to respect

Implies a commitment to showing respect through adherence to guidelines.

aim to uphold

Focuses on maintaining or defending standards through compliance.

work to observe

Suggests a practical effort to carefully watch and comply with regulations.

take steps to comply

Highlights the active measures taken to achieve compliance.

do your best to obey

Indicates a maximum effort to follow instructions or laws.

try to respect

Emphasizes effort in showing respect through compliance.

FAQs

How can I use "try to abide" in a sentence?

You can use "try to abide" to express an intention to follow a rule or guideline. For instance, "I will try to abide by the company's code of conduct".

What's a good alternative to "try to abide"?

Alternatives include "attempt to comply", "make an effort to obey", or "seek to adhere", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it better to say "try to abide by" or "try to abide to"?

"Try to abide by" is the correct and more common usage. "Abide" typically takes "by" as a preposition. "Try and abide to" might also be used, though it's slightly less formal.

What's the difference between "try to abide" and "try to conform"?

"Try to abide" specifically implies an effort to follow rules or laws, while "try to conform" suggests an effort to fit in with societal norms or expectations.