try to be neutral

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to be neutral" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to maintain an impartial or unbiased stance in a discussion or situation. Example: "In debates, it's important to try to be neutral to ensure a fair exchange of ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"When something is fact-specific, I remain objective," I say, but "I do not attempt to try to be neutral.

The Guardian

In an echo of Michael Gove's call for a "draining of the swamp", Lewis told the Guardian: "If we try to be neutral between the arsonist and the fire brigade then we run into problems.

The Guardian

Carol Berthram, 30, whose former partner went on to have two children after being what Carol describes as a "rather distant father" to her son Josh, seven, says: "God knows, I try to be neutral, but I can't help feeling really negative about his new children.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Most try to be neutral.

BBC

No matter how hard politicians try to be neutral, they will never succeed at making truly impartial decisions.

Huffington Post

"I try to be neutral, in yoga and health, to be for everyone," she said, and she doesn't ascribe to all of the traditionally liberal political stances.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Whenever the writer found that the English were what his grandmother had said, he tried to be neutral by remembering he was neither English or Indian, but Irish.

The New Yorker

While Blair tries to be neutral on the issue, his government continues to positively deny all responsibility for the British residents that remain languishing in Guantánamo.

The Guardian - Opinion

The French and Germans, eager to preserve their links to Moscow, have tried to be neutral, while the Italians have blamed the entire war on Mr Saakashvili.

The Economist

"I'm trying to be neutral and diplomatic, but her actions did not fare well with our members," said Claraliene Gordon, president of the Camden Education Association, which represents 3,100 of the district's 4,000 members.

The New York Times

Big Ang, a nickname that seems to be a reference to Angela's surgically enhanced, nature-defying breasts, is a den mother to the younger girls, trying to be neutral.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering advice, use "try to be neutral" to encourage someone to consider all perspectives before forming an opinion, particularly in sensitive discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "try to be neutral" as an excuse for inaction or indifference. Neutrality should involve active listening and thoughtful consideration, not simply avoiding engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to be neutral" functions as an imperative, offering advice or guidance on how to approach a situation. It encourages a mindset of impartiality and fairness, aligning with Ludwig's findings that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try to be neutral" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that advises impartiality and fairness. While Ludwig indicates it is not overly frequent, it appears in various contexts, including news, wikis, and scientific discussions. Alternatives include "strive for impartiality" and "remain unbiased". It's important to use the phrase thoughtfully, ensuring that striving for neutrality doesn't lead to passivity or indifference. The phrase encourages active listening and balanced judgment, making it a valuable tool in communication and decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain unbiased

Directly addresses the absence of prejudice or favoritism.

act impartially

Emphasizes fairness and equal treatment in one's actions.

strive for impartiality

Emphasizes the effort and dedication required to achieve neutrality.

avoid taking sides

Suggests refraining from supporting any particular party or viewpoint.

aim for objectivity

Focuses on presenting facts without personal feelings or interpretations.

seek a balanced perspective

Highlights the importance of considering all sides of an issue.

keep an open mind

Focuses on being receptive to different viewpoints and avoiding premature judgment.

maintain a detached view

Highlights emotional distance from the situation at hand.

cultivate fairness

Focuses on developing fair-mindedness and justness.

pursue equanimity

Highlights maintaining composure and level-headedness in challenging situations.

FAQs

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

You can use "try to be neutral" when advising someone to maintain an impartial or unbiased stance. For example: "As a mediator, you must "try to be neutral"."

What's the difference between "try to be neutral" and "try to be objective"?

"Try to be neutral" suggests avoiding taking sides or expressing personal opinions. "Try to be objective" focuses on presenting facts and evidence without bias, which can be similar, but objectivity emphasizes factual accuracy over emotional detachment.

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

You can use alternatives like "remain unbiased", "strive for impartiality", or "aim for objectivity", depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it always possible to "try to be neutral"?

While striving for complete neutrality is often ideal, it's not always achievable or desirable, especially when fundamental ethical or moral principles are at stake. In such cases, taking a stand may be necessary and appropriate.