try to be calm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to be calm" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to maintain their composure in a stressful or challenging situation. Example: "During the presentation, remember to try to be calm, even if you feel nervous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

"I try to be calm.

The New York Times - Magazine

I try to be calm with it.

The Guardian - Music

"My bench is not a memorial," emphasized Ms. Kobetitsch, who lives in West New York, N.J. "I'm not a yogi, but I try to be calm.

The New York Times

She said to me: "Whatever you are working on, on your laptop, switch it off now, and try to be calm, you have just returned from a war zone".

Independent

We try to be calm and calculated but tonight was a night for the outpouring of emotion and how I feel about, not just this evening, but how we need to be to win games of football".

The Guardian - Sport

Mr Karzai said that while the "emotions of our people" about the burning of the Koran were "legitimate and valuable", Afghans should try to be calm because it would stop "enemies of our peace and stability" from taking advantage of the situation and from harming people and property.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

"I'm trying to be calm, not let little things bother me," he said.

The New York Times

"I just tried to be calm even though inside I was like: 'Aarrggh, there's no way,'" Muguruza said.

The Guardian - Sport

"I was trying to be calm," said Mills, who got a pep talk to calm him from Paterno before heading into the game.

The New York Times - Sports

"I try to do just what you say," one 1920's mother complained, "but I am a nervous wreck just trying to be calm".

The New York Times - Books

It cuts both ways, of course, this futile exercise of trying to be calm under pressure when the heart is urging the head to scream.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to handle a delicate situation, using "try to be calm" can help encourage rational thought and prevent emotional escalation.

Common error

While "try to be calm" is generally helpful, avoid using it repeatedly during highly stressful situations as it can come across as dismissive or insensitive. Focus on specific actionable steps instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to be calm" functions as an imperative, typically used to offer advice or guidance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness in written English. It suggests an action or behavior (being calm) that someone should attempt.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

47%

News & Media

38%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try to be calm" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for advising someone to maintain composure, as Ludwig AI confirms. It functions as an imperative, serving to encourage emotional regulation across various situations. While versatile, it is most appropriate in neutral contexts, with its prevalence noted in Wiki and News & Media sources. When using "try to be calm", consider the recipient's emotional state to ensure your advice is well-received and effective. Alternatives such as "strive for serenity" may be more suitable in certain scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try to keep your cool

Uses a more colloquial expression for staying calm, implying a potential for excitement or anger.

endeavor to stay composed

Emphasizes a more formal and determined effort to maintain calmness.

make an attempt at staying calm

Highlights the intent to remain unperturbed, especially when facing stressful circumstances.

aim for composure

Highlights the act of setting composure as a goal.

strive for serenity

Focuses on achieving a state of inner peace and tranquility.

make an effort to stay tranquil

Stresses the exertion of effort to remain peaceful and undisturbed.

endeavor to maintain equanimity

Suggests a more formal and resolute attempt to keep a balanced and calm state of mind, especially in challenging situations.

seek equanimity

Suggests a quest for mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.

work towards a peaceful demeanor

Highlights the conscious effort to cultivate a calm and composed appearance.

attempt to remain unruffled

Focuses on trying not to be disturbed or agitated.

FAQs

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

You can use "try to be calm" when advising someone to maintain their composure in a stressful or challenging situation. For example: "During the negotiation, remember to "try to be calm", even if you disagree with the other party".

What can I say instead of "try to be calm"?

You can use alternatives like "endeavor to stay composed", "strive for serenity", or "aim for composure" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "try to be calm" or "try and be calm"?

Both "try to be calm" and "try and be calm" are used, but "try to be calm" is generally considered more grammatically correct and formal. "Try and be calm" is more colloquial.

When is it not appropriate to say "try to be calm"?

It might not be appropriate to say "try to be calm" when someone is experiencing a significant emotional event, such as grief or trauma. In these situations, empathy and validation are often more helpful than simply advising calmness.