try to be strong

USAGE SUMMARY

"try to be strong" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to encourage someone to remain brave and determined in difficult circumstances. For example: "You've been through a lot lately, so I want you to know I'm here for you - try to be strong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

"I try to be strong but many times I shake at night," Blue Sky writes.

The New York Times - Books

"I try to be strong and focused, but depression got to me," he said.

The New York Times

I try to be strong, but other times I want to shout: "This is not fair.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We have a fantastic team and I'm delighted, and we will try to be strong in all competitions and to win.

The Guardian - Sport

"I just try to be strong," Diamond said, and then she turned on music and began placing furniture in the living room.

The Washington Post

I try to be strong for my daughter.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

It's why he has to try to be stronger, faster and smarter than the rest.

The Guardian

I'm just trying to be strong.

The Guardian

She's trying to be strong but clearly is not".

The New Yorker

"I think I'm trying to be strong.

The New York Times

"I tried to be strong, to love, to be right.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When encouraging someone to "try to be strong", be sure to offer specific support or resources. Simply telling someone to be strong without offering help can be dismissive.

Common error

While "try to be strong" is a common expression, overuse can diminish its impact. Vary your language to keep your message fresh and sincere. Consider alternatives like "remain resilient" or "cultivate fortitude" to add nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to be strong" functions as an imperative, urging or advising someone to maintain their mental and emotional fortitude during a difficult time. This is evident in Ludwig's examples, where it's used in contexts of loss, adversity, or pressure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try to be strong" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to encourage resilience and fortitude in challenging situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s usable in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Wiki and Formal & Business contexts, it carries a neutral tone suitable for various situations. When using this phrase, consider offering specific support alongside the encouragement. While widely used, diversifying your language by opting for synonyms can prevent the expression from sounding clichéd. Remember that simply telling someone to be strong without offering help can be dismissive, so make sure to accompany your words with actions. Finally, it's important to offer understanding and acknowledgement of one's pain before offering words of encouragement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focus on staying tough

This is a more informal way of saying "try to be strong" and emphasizes resilience.

work on being courageous

This alternative shifts the focus to developing bravery.

strive to maintain composure

This emphasizes emotional control and a calm demeanor.

make an effort to remain firm

This variation highlights steadfastness and resisting pressure.

attempt to stand tall

This conveys the idea of maintaining dignity and pride in the face of adversity.

endeavor to stay resilient

This alternative uses more formal language and emphasizes long-term recovery.

aim to cultivate fortitude

This option focuses on developing inner strength over time.

seek to project strength

This suggests an outward display of strength, even if one doesn't feel it internally.

do your best to stay positive

This emphasizes maintaining a good outlook during difficult times, shifting the focus slightly.

endeavor to persevere

A more formal and general call for endurance.

FAQs

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

You can use "try to be strong" to encourage someone facing difficulties. For example, "I know this is hard, but please try to be strong for your family."

What does "try to be strong" mean?

It means to make an effort to maintain your emotional and mental fortitude, especially during challenging times. It's a call to resilience and perseverance.

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

You can use alternatives like "stay resilient", "remain firm", or "maintain composure" depending on the context.

Is it okay to tell someone to "try to be strong" after a loss?

While well-intentioned, it's important to also offer support and understanding. Saying "try to be strong" can be less helpful than acknowledging their pain and offering practical assistance. You can also suggest alternatives like "focus on staying tough" or "attempt to stand tall".