try to compete

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to compete" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing efforts to match or surpass others in a particular area, such as sports, business, or academics. Example: "In the upcoming tournament, we will try to compete against the best teams in the league."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We try to compete".

The New York Times - Sports

My father didn't try to compete.

The Guardian - Books

"Don't try to compete with the Guggenheim".

The New York Times - Arts

The person who does not even try to compete".

The Guardian - Sport

"And I'd hate to try to compete against them".

The New York Times

Most businesses try to compete by being efficient and smart.

The New York Times

He said criminal justice "shouldn't try to compete" with technology.

The Guardian

They make some of the best in London, so why try to compete?

Independent

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who must try to compete with the Saints in the N.F.C.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

He said they would try to compete, learn something and move on.

The New York Times - Sports

Film Festival Time In the summertime, most indoor venues don't try to compete with the weather.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "try to compete" when you want to express an effort to match or surpass others in a specific activity or domain. It suggests an active attempt but doesn't guarantee success.

Common error

Avoid using "try to compete" when you need to convey a guaranteed outcome or a definitive action. This phrase indicates an attempt, not necessarily a success. If success is certain or already achieved, use stronger verbs such as "compete" or "dominate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to compete" functions primarily as a verb phrase expressing an intention or attempt to engage in competition. It suggests an effort to rival or challenge others, but without guaranteeing success. This aligns with Ludwig's analysis, which confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try to compete" is a frequently used and grammatically sound verb phrase that expresses an attempt to rival or challenge others. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and widely applicable, particularly in contexts related to news, sports, and business. While it conveys effort and intent, it doesn't guarantee success, making it appropriate when the outcome is uncertain. When aiming for guaranteed results, stronger verbs like "compete" or "dominate" are more suitable. Alternatives such as "attempt to rival" or "strive to contend" can provide nuanced variations for different contexts. The phrase appears across diverse sources, with a neutral register suitable for various communication levels.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to rival

Replaces "try" with "attempt", emphasizing a more formal effort to compete.

strive to contend

Substitutes "try" with "strive" and "compete" with "contend", indicating a determined effort to compete.

seek to challenge

Replaces "try" with "seek" and "compete" with "challenge", focusing on the intent to challenge others.

aim to contend

Uses "aim" instead of "try" and "contend" instead of "compete", suggesting a focused effort to rival.

endeavor to match

Replaces "try" with "endeavor" and "compete" with "match", indicating a more formal attempt to equal another's performance.

make an effort to compete

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the effort being made.

take steps to contend

Focuses on the actions taken to compete, rather than just the attempt.

aspire to challenge

Indicates a high level of ambition in challenging others.

work towards contending

Highlights the ongoing process of working to compete.

have a go at competing

Uses a more informal tone, suggesting a casual attempt to compete.

FAQs

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

You can use "try to compete" to indicate an attempt to rival or challenge others. For example, "Our company will "try to compete" with the market leader by offering innovative products."

What are some alternatives to "try to compete"?

Alternatives include "attempt to rival", "strive to contend", or "seek to challenge", depending on the desired nuance and formality.

Is it better to say "try to compete" or simply "compete"?

Use "try to compete" when the outcome is uncertain or when emphasizing the effort. Use "compete" when the action is definite and success is either assumed or already achieved. For example, "We "try to compete", but we don't always win" versus "We "compete" fiercely in the market."

What does "try to compete" imply about the chances of winning?

"Try to compete" suggests that the chances of winning are not guaranteed. It highlights the effort being made, but acknowledges that success is not a certainty. You're making an attempt but not necessarily succeeding.