try to assert

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to assert" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express an attempt to state or declare something confidently or forcefully. Example: "In her presentation, she tried to assert her authority on the subject matter to gain the audience's trust."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Novartis might try to assert other patents to stave off competition, however.

The New York Times

Al Qaeda may strike back, or other groups may try to assert their rising power.

The New York Times

They may try to assert that the board's decision should not apply in nonunion companies.

The New York Times

Even Gray does not try to assert that in his book.

The Washington Post

Occasionally, Clifford would try to assert his former authority with journalists.

The Guardian

"The point is to scare off the next community that might try to assert its human rights".

The New Yorker

To this end they try to assert that the true unit is neither mind nor body but the person.

Britannica

That competition is likely to flare anew as lawmakers try to assert responsibility for President Bush's new domestic defense initiative.

The New York Times

If you try to assert yourself, you end up with aggressive men pushing you away and generally being very unpleasant".

The Guardian

Consumer advocates have warned that banks may try to assert that these legal agreements pre-empt actions by the states to correct and punish foreclosure abuses.

The New York Times

As accentuated by the bright lighting of Howell Binkley, this pristine environment symbolizes the dominance of the white culture against which the play's characters try to assert themselves.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "try to assert" when you want to indicate an active effort to establish a fact, right, or opinion, especially when there might be resistance or doubt.

Common error

Avoid using "try to assert" when the situation calls for a straightforward statement of fact. Overusing it can make your writing sound hesitant or uncertain when confidence is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to assert" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used as part of a verb phrase. It indicates an attempt to confidently declare or establish something. As Ludwig AI also confirms, it's correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try to assert" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing an attempt to declare or establish something with confidence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's versatile enough for use in neutral, professional, and even formal contexts, although it appears most commonly in news and media. When using "try to assert", make sure the context is clear and avoid overusing it in situations where a direct statement would be more appropriate. The related phrases, like "attempt to claim" or "seek to establish", offer nuanced alternatives for varying the intensity and formality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to claim

Replaces "assert" with "claim", suggesting a less forceful declaration that may be open to challenge.

seek to establish

Replaces "try" with "seek" and "assert" with "establish", suggesting a more deliberate and strategic effort.

aim to demonstrate

Replaces "assert" with "demonstrate", focusing on providing evidence or proof.

endeavor to maintain

Shifts the focus to preserving an existing state or condition, rather than establishing something new.

strive to uphold

Implies a dedicated and continuous effort to defend or support something.

make an effort to declare

More descriptive and emphasizes the exertion involved in making a formal pronouncement.

venture to suggest

Indicates a tentative or hesitant attempt to put forward an idea.

undertake to affirm

Formally commits to confirming or validating something.

move to establish

Suggests a formal action taken to bring something into existence or recognition.

aspire to validate

Expresses a strong desire to confirm or prove the worth of something.

FAQs

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

Use "try to assert" when you want to express an attempt to confidently declare something. For example, "The company will "try to assert" its dominance in the market through aggressive marketing campaigns".

What are some alternatives to "try to assert"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "attempt to claim", "seek to establish", or "aim to demonstrate".

Is there a difference between "try to assert" and "attempt to assert"?

"Try to assert" and "attempt to assert" are very similar. "Attempt" might imply a more formal or determined effort, while "try" is generally more common and less formal.

When is it inappropriate to use "try to assert"?

Avoid using "try to assert" when a direct, confident statement is needed. Overusing it can introduce unnecessary uncertainty or hesitation into your writing. If you are certain of something, state it directly rather than saying you ""try to assert"" it.