try to be serious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to be serious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to adopt a more serious attitude or demeanor in a conversation or situation. Example: "During the meeting, I need everyone to try to be serious so we can address the important issues at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"It's froth," Mr. Tobias continued, rolling his eyes, "and we try to be serious.

The New York Times - Style

When you try to be serious you get that twitch.

Huffington Post

If they already have this thought, try to be serious and don't tell jokes for few days.

WikiHow

It's okay to look down at your feet if you want to, as well as be shy (It's expected), but try to be serious.

WikiHow

If the subject matter is somewhat serious, like reading a very thick pile of court minutes, try to be serious and focus on the subject at hand.

WikiHow

When she is having her period get ready to play nurse and try to be serious about it because she is really hurting.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

She was trying to be serious.

The New Yorker

I tried to be serious.

The New York Times

I think I was trying to be serious, but I felt those pants were suffocating me.

The New York Times

District, in the Muse Hotel, tries to be serious and fun at the same time.

The New York Times - Food

Tony Travers of the London School of Economics says it showed: "You could see the strain on Boris trying to be serious".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "try to be serious", ensure the context warrants a shift away from levity. Overly serious tones can be inappropriate in certain situations, so consider your audience and the overall atmosphere.

Common error

Avoid using "try to be serious" when the situation calls for empathy or a lighthearted approach. Forcing seriousness can sometimes be counterproductive and damage rapport.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to be serious" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase, often used to express a request or suggestion for someone to adopt a more earnest or solemn attitude. Ludwig provides various examples showing its use in both direct commands and indirect suggestions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

50%

Huffington Post

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try to be serious" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that suggests adopting a more earnest attitude. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is most common in News & Media and Wiki contexts. While it's a useful phrase for encouraging focus and importance, it's important to consider the context and ensure that a serious tone is indeed appropriate. Alternatives like "attempt to be earnest" or "be more serious" can also be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Being mindful of the potential for misinterpretation ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be more serious

Simply aims at increasing current level of seriousness.

aim for seriousness

Highlights a goal-oriented approach to displaying a serious attitude.

make an effort to be earnest

Emphasizes the intentionality of being sincere and genuine.

work towards being serious

Emphasizes ongoing effort and progression in achieving a serious attitude.

attempt to be solemn

Focuses on achieving a solemn demeanor, emphasizing a deeper level of seriousness.

strive for gravity

Highlights the effort to attain a sense of importance and weightiness in one's actions or words.

seek to be somber

Focuses on attempting to achieve a subdued and melancholic demeanor.

endeavor to be grave

Suggests a formal and weighty attempt to convey seriousness.

undertake to be solemn

Highlights a determined effort to be solemn or formal.

take it seriously

Implies acknowledging the weight of a matter and approaching it with due consideration.

FAQs

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

You can use "try to be serious" to ask someone to adopt a more serious attitude or demeanor in a conversation or situation. For example: "During the meeting, I need everyone to "try to be serious" so we can address the important issues at hand."

What are some alternatives to "try to be serious"?

You can use alternatives like "attempt to be earnest", "make an effort to be earnest", or "be more serious" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to tell someone to "try to be serious"?

It's appropriate when the situation requires focus and a lack of frivolity, such as during a formal meeting, a discussion about serious matters, or when someone's levity is hindering progress. However, consider if a more empathetic approach is needed instead.

What's the difference between "try to be serious" and "take it seriously"?

"Try to be serious" is more about demeanor and attitude, while ""take it seriously"" implies acknowledging the weight of a matter and giving it proper attention. The former is about how you act, the latter is about how you approach a task or problem.