try to appreciate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to appreciate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when encouraging someone to recognize or value something, often in a context of understanding or gratitude. Example: "I hope you can try to appreciate the effort that went into this project, even if the results aren't what we expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

"I definitely took a little time to try to appreciate it," Happ said.

The New York Times - Sports

So can you try to appreciate the sentiment behind those moronic smiley faces?

The New York Times

It deepens when I am stressed, and I try to appreciate it as a message rather than as a flaw.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's a perspective we'd all do well to try to appreciate because we're going to have to deal with it.

The Washington Post

Its content — romanticizing supposed memories of a boyhood that Gorky regularly lied about — is "poetic" in ways that turn treacly and banal when you try to appreciate them.

The New Yorker

David: Still, I try to appreciate that at least Gingrich knows where Libya is and probably has a 14-point plan for redesigning its space program.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Are you trying to appreciate more?

University of California, Berkeley

It's rare, and I'm trying to appreciate it.

The New York Times - Sports

"I tried to appreciate my time, look around, appreciate the fans," Armstrong said.

The New York Times - Sports

"So I am grateful to our Korean members for trying to appreciate Japanese culture.

The New York Times

But, as always, we kept our heads down and tried to appreciate every single moment as it fled.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "try to appreciate", consider the context and ensure the object of appreciation is clearly defined. Ambiguity can weaken the phrase's impact. For example, instead of saying "Try to appreciate," specify "Try to appreciate the effort." Avoid overuse; explore synonyms like "understand" or "value" for variety.

Common error

Avoid using "try to appreciate" when a stronger term like "understand" or "accept" is more appropriate. "Appreciate" implies a positive valuation, which might not be suitable if you're referring to something negative or undesirable. If facing an undesirable situation, consider saying "Try to understand" rather than "Try to appreciate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to appreciate" functions primarily as an infinitive phrase expressing an attempt or effort to value or understand something. It encourages a specific action: to recognize the worth or significance of an object, situation, or idea. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try to appreciate" is a grammatically sound and frequently used infinitive phrase that encourages recognizing or valuing something. As verified by Ludwig AI, its strength lies in its versatility and positive connotation. While prevalent in News & Media, it also appears in academic and general contexts. Remember to consider whether a stronger term like "understand" or "accept" might be more appropriate depending on the specific situation. By using the phrase judiciously and understanding its nuances, you can effectively encourage positive perspectives and deeper understanding in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to understand

Focuses on comprehension rather than valuation.

make an effort to value

Highlights the effort involved in assigning worth.

strive to recognize

Emphasizes the active pursuit of acknowledging something's importance.

seek to understand

Implies a deliberate search for comprehension.

endeavor to value

Presents a more formal attempt at valuation.

aim to acknowledge

Focuses on recognizing the existence or importance of something.

work to comprehend

Suggests sustained effort to achieve understanding.

make an attempt to value

Similar to "make an effort to value" but slightly more verbose.

take time to appreciate

Emphasizes dedicating time for valuation.

try to comprehend

Suggests attempting to grasp the meaning or significance.

FAQs

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

You can use "try to appreciate" when encouraging someone to recognize the value or effort in something, even if it's not immediately apparent. For example: "I hope you can "try to appreciate" the effort that went into this project."

What can I say instead of "try to appreciate"?

You can use alternatives like "attempt to understand", "make an effort to value", or "strive to recognize" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "try to appreciate", even in negative situations?

While "try to appreciate" suggests finding value, in negative contexts, it might be better to use phrases like "try to understand" or "try to accept" to focus on comprehension or acceptance rather than positive valuation.

What's the difference between "try to appreciate" and "try to understand"?

"Try to appreciate" implies finding value or worth in something, while "try to understand" focuses on comprehending the meaning or reasons behind it. Use "try to appreciate" when you want someone to see the positive aspects, and "try to understand" when you want them to grasp the underlying logic or context.