try to complete

USAGE SUMMARY

"try to complete" is an acceptable and usable phrase in written English.
It could be used when describing an assignment or task that someone needs to finish, or when describing a goal that someone should work towards. For example, "Your assignment is to try to complete the project before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We will try to complete it".

The New York Times

Stier said there was little choice but to try to complete talks with Ratner.

The New York Times - Sports

Using the sketches, he said, he would try to complete a painting at each demonstration.

The New York Times

"Lots of bankers try to complete thousands of deals that never get completed.

The Guardian - Business

Jack Wilshere has started a medical to try to complete a move to West Ham United.

The Times

Or try to complete the phrase: "The forms of.... are enclosed".

Independent

Over the summer, Mimi will try to complete her research project in Dr. Rockman's lab.

The New York Times

students also try to complete the computing requirement (CS 126) in freshman year.

Princeton University

Marc D. Lumpkin, an EchoStar spokesman, said on Friday that EchoStar was moving swiftly to try to complete the deal.

The New York Times

Its principal tool is the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Bill, which Parliament will try to complete beginning Tuesday.

The New York Times

After 10 Na4, Black usually plays 10... Be7 to try to complete his development and get his king to safety.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting goals, use "try to complete" to express a realistic intention. For instance, "I will try to complete the report by Friday", acknowledging potential challenges while committing to the task.

Common error

Avoid using "try to complete" when certainty is required. Instead of "We will try to complete the project", if you have full confidence, state directly: "We will complete the project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to complete" functions as an expression of intent or attempt. It's used to indicate that someone will make an effort to finish a task or achieve a goal, as confirmed by Ludwig. It implies a degree of uncertainty but also conveys a commitment to action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

36%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "try to complete" is a versatile and frequently used expression that indicates an intention to finish a task or achieve a goal, while acknowledging potential challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from formal writing to everyday conversation. While alternatives exist, such as "attempt to finish" or "aim to finalize", "try to complete" remains a straightforward and reliable choice for expressing intent with a degree of uncertainty. Remember to use it when you want to convey a plan without overpromising, and consider more decisive alternatives when certainty is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to finish

This alternative uses "attempt" instead of "try", suggesting a formal intention but it also replace "complete" with "finish".

aim to finalize

This alternative uses "aim" which indicates purpose or intention, and "finalize" suggests bringing something to a definitive end.

seek to conclude

This is a more formal and decisive alternative, implying a deliberate effort to bring something to a close.

strive to accomplish

This suggests a determined effort to achieve or finish something, emphasizing the effort involved.

work towards completion

This focuses on the ongoing effort and progress being made towards finishing something.

endeavor to fulfill

This is a formal alternative that emphasizes the commitment and effort put into achieving something.

make an effort to conclude

This alternative highlights the action and effort being put in to bring something to a conclusion.

do your best to wrap up

This phrase is more casual and implies doing one's best to finish something.

give a shot at finishing

This is an informal way of saying someone will try something, often when the outcome is uncertain.

take a stab at completing

This suggests attempting something with a degree of uncertainty, often implying it might be difficult.

FAQs

How do I use "try to complete" in a sentence?

You can use "try to complete" to express an intention to finish something while acknowledging that it might not be guaranteed. For example: "I will "try to complete" the assignment by tomorrow".

What are some alternatives to "try to complete"?

Some alternatives include "attempt to finish", "aim to finalize", or "strive to accomplish", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it better to say "try to complete" or "attempt to complete"?

"Attempt to complete" ("attempt to complete") is slightly more formal than "try to complete", but both are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. The best choice depends on the context and desired tone.

Can I use "try to complete" in formal writing?

Yes, "try to complete" is acceptable in formal writing, though more formal alternatives like "endeavor to fulfill" might be preferred in highly formal contexts.