try to appear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to appear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing efforts to give a certain impression or to seem a particular way to others. Example: "She always tries to appear confident, even when she feels nervous inside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They could try to appear vaguely more enthusiastic about Europe.

The Economist

They try to appear charitable and transparent in their goals.

The New York Times

Mr. Bloomberg made no effort to try to appear at home during the spirited service.

The New York Times

Some try to appear cool with Ali G and down with the kids.

The New York Times - Arts

This year, he added, automakers will try to appear prudent — not blazing through marketing dollars.

The New York Times

Robertson: Of course people try to appear religious if you appear religious.

The Washington Post

I had my office manager make her wait, so I could straighten up my office and try to appear impressive.

Columbia University

George Bush will no doubt try to appear as tolerant as possible while drawing the line at gay marriage.

The Economist

That they try to appear as if they are taking action by shaming the Government is to their shame.

Independent

In order to secure the future of the empire, Alyosha must discipline himself to try to appear healthy.

The New York Times - Books

Life is too short to try to appear ironic and hip and endure the moneyed banality of the nightmarish Kardashians.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "try to appear" when you want to describe a conscious effort to give a certain impression, especially when the actual state may be different. For example, "Even though he was nervous, he would "try to appear" calm."

Common error

In formal writing, overuse of "try to appear" can sound repetitive. Substitute with stronger verbs like "endeavor", "strive", or "aim" to enhance clarity and sophistication. For instance, instead of saying "The company will "try to appear" responsible", consider using "The company will endeavor to demonstrate responsibility".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to appear" functions as an infinitive phrase that often modifies a verb, adjective, or noun by describing an action someone undertakes to create a specific impression. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

20%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "try to appear" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe the effort to project a particular image or quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and frequent in many contexts. While it's often found in news and media, it is also common in academic and informal writing. When using the phrase, consider its nuance and ensure it aligns with the desired level of formality. Alternatives such as "attempt to seem" or "strive to look" can offer subtle variations in meaning. Be mindful not to overuse "try to appear" in formal contexts; instead, consider stronger verbs like "endeavor" or "aim". Overall, understanding the contexts and implications of "try to appear" will enhance clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to seem

Focuses on the act of making an attempt, which may or may not be successful.

strive to look

Emphasizes the effort and determination involved in achieving a desired appearance.

make an effort to seem

Similar to "attempt to seem", but with a slightly stronger emphasis on the exertion of effort.

aim to come across as

Highlights the goal of creating a specific impression on others.

work to give the impression

Emphasizes the active involvement and effort in crafting a particular perception.

endeavor to present oneself

More formal, highlighting the conscious effort to showcase a specific persona.

seek to project

Focuses on the intention and active effort to communicate a specific image.

act as if to be

Emphasizes insincerity and implies a discrepancy between how one acts and how one truly feels.

feign to be

Implies deception, with the person pretending to be something they are not.

simulate being

Suggests a deliberate and potentially artificial imitation of a particular state or quality.

FAQs

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

You can use "try to appear" to describe someone's effort to give a particular impression. For example, "She would "try to appear" confident during the presentation, even though she was nervous."

What are some alternatives to "try to appear"?

Some alternatives include "attempt to seem", "strive to look", or "aim to come across as". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "try to appear" or "attempt to appear"?

"Try to appear" and "attempt to appear" are very similar. "Attempt" may sound slightly more formal, but both are generally acceptable.

What does it mean when someone says they "try to appear" a certain way?

It indicates they are consciously making an effort to present themselves in a specific manner, which may or may not align with their true feelings or state. It implies a degree of intentionality in managing perceptions.