try to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when encouraging someone to make an effort to adopt a certain attitude or behavior. Example: "I know it's difficult, but try to be patient with the process."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We try to be responsible.

The New York Times - Arts

Try to be creative.

WikiHow

Try to be accurate.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Try to be quick.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Try to be flexible.

WikiHow

Try to be dependable.

WikiHow

Try to be confident.

WikiHow

Try to be comfortable.

WikiHow

Try to be organized.

WikiHow

try to be Neat.

WikiHow

Try to be strong.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering advice, use "try to be" to encourage a positive action or attitude. For example, "If you want to make friends, "try to be" approachable and friendly."

Common error

Avoid using "try to be" without clearly specifying the quality or action you're encouraging. Instead of saying "Just "try to be" better", specify what 'better' means: "Try to be more punctual" or "Try to be more understanding."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to be" functions as an imperative, often used to give advice or suggestions. It expresses an encouragement or recommendation for adopting a certain behavior or state of mind. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples illustrating this function across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

75%

News & Media

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "try to be" is a versatile and commonly used expression for offering advice or encouragement. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that it functions primarily as an imperative, guiding individuals towards adopting positive behaviors or attitudes. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's best used with specific context to avoid vagueness. Its informal to neutral register makes it suitable for various settings, particularly in everyday conversation and general guidance. With numerous examples available, Ludwig underscores the practical application and relevance of this phrase in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to be

Similar to "try to be", but can suggest a slightly more formal or uncertain approach.

make an effort to be

Explicitly states the action of making an effort, adding emphasis to the attempt.

make sure to be

Focuses on the importance of ensuring a particular state or quality.

aim to be

Focuses on the intention and goal of achieving a certain quality or state.

endeavor to be

Replaces "try" with "endeavor", suggesting a more formal and committed effort.

strive to be

Emphasizes the effort and ambition involved in achieving the desired state.

seek to be

Implies a deliberate search or pursuit of a specific quality.

aspire to be

Suggests a higher level of ambition and a strong desire to achieve a certain quality.

work towards being

Highlights the ongoing process and effort required to reach a certain state.

see if you can be

Introduces an element of uncertainty or experimentation, inviting the listener to explore the possibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "try to be" to give encouragement or advice to someone. For example, "If you want to succeed, "try to be" persistent and dedicated."

What phrases are similar to "try to be"?

Similar phrases include "attempt to be", "strive to be", or "aim to be". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "try to be" or "attempt to be"?

"Try to be" is generally more common and informal, while "attempt to be" is slightly more formal. Both are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning.

When should I use "try to be" instead of just giving a direct command?

Use "try to be" when you want to offer gentle encouragement or advice, rather than giving a strict order. It acknowledges that the action may be challenging and encourages effort.