try to achieve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to achieve" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing an effort to reach a specific goal or outcome. Example: "We will try to achieve our sales targets by the end of the quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Now you have to prioritize those and try to achieve what's achievable," he said.

The New York Times

I try to achieve that.

The Guardian

Don't try to achieve perfection.

The Guardian

Nova doesn't try to achieve artistic drama or intellectual sophistication.

The New York Times - Arts

And we're working hard to try to achieve it.

The Guardian - Sport

"I'm going to try to achieve everything I can.

The Guardian - Sport

They have to try to achieve what we had before".

The New York Times - Sports

"I try to achieve a social balance," Mr. McFadden said.

The New York Times

People sacrificed a lot to try to  achieve this".

Independent

"Sometimes you do weird things to try to achieve something.

The New York Times

"They continue to try to achieve a spectacular attack that would incite sectarian violence".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "try to achieve", ensure that the goal is realistic and attainable within the given context. This adds credibility to the statement and shows a practical approach.

Common error

Avoid using "try to achieve" to create false expectations. It is better to be realistic about what you can accomplish rather than setting unrealistic goals that you cannot reach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to achieve" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase indicating purpose or intention. It connects an action with a desired outcome. This is confirmed by Ludwig, where examples show it used to express efforts towards specific goals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

28%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "try to achieve" is a common and grammatically correct way to express an intention to work towards a goal, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is versatile, appearing in diverse contexts from News & Media to Scientific publications. While alternatives like "attempt to attain" or "strive to accomplish" offer nuanced meanings, it’s crucial to ensure realistic goals and avoid overpromising. In summary, "try to achieve" is a reliable choice for expressing intention with effort, fitting many communication needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to attain

Emphasizes a deliberate effort to reach a higher goal.

strive to accomplish

Highlights persistent and dedicated effort toward a complex task.

seek to realize

Focuses on making something abstract or conceptual into reality.

aim to fulfill

Suggests a purpose-driven effort to meet a requirement or expectation.

endeavor to secure

Implies a formal and determined effort to obtain or protect something.

work towards obtaining

Indicates sustained effort over time to get something.

make an effort to reach

Highlights the exertion of energy to arrive at a specific point or goal.

pursue the realization of

Suggests a proactive and dedicated effort to bring something into existence.

aspire to gain

Emphasizes ambition and a desire for improvement or advancement.

set out to accomplish

Highlights the initial intention and commitment to complete a task.

FAQs

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

You can use "try to achieve" to express an attempt to reach a specific goal or outcome. For example, "We will "try to achieve" our sales targets by the end of the quarter."

What are some alternatives to "try to achieve"?

You can use alternatives such as "attempt to attain", "strive to accomplish", or "seek to realize" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "try and achieve" instead of "try to achieve"?

While "try and achieve" is sometimes used informally, ""try to achieve"" is generally preferred in formal writing as it is grammatically more precise.

What's the difference between "try to achieve" and "aim to achieve"?

"Try to achieve" suggests an attempt with an uncertain outcome, while "aim to achieve" implies a definite goal or intention.