try to concentrate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to concentrate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to encourage someone to focus on a task or to emphasize the importance of being focused. For example: "If you want to get this task done quickly, try to concentrate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Try to concentrate anyway".

The New Yorker

You just have to try to concentrate.

The New York Times - Sports

I try to concentrate on what's going on".

The New York Times - Sports

"I try to concentrate on my own league," Slive said.

The New York Times - Sports

Sometimes when you take a picture you try to concentrate on one element, like shoes.

The New York Times

"Just try to concentrate on winning our games first," Doug Mientkiewicz said.

The New York Times

I just try to concentrate on staying fit for the next game".

The Guardian - Sport

"We'll try to concentrate on every detail of the preparation for these races.

The Guardian - Sport

"Try to concentrate on Vlady and make good pitches to Torii and those guys.

The New York Times

"So I think this is a little bit artificial and I think we should try to concentrate" so "that all the deposits are protected".

The New York Times

Then you say: 'Yes, I am going to race on Sunday.' So you go out and try to concentrate on the job.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "try to concentrate", consider the audience and adjust the tone accordingly. For formal settings, alternatives like "endeavor to focus" may be more appropriate.

Common error

While "try to concentrate" is acceptable, excessive use can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "attempt to focus" or "strive to focus" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to concentrate" functions as an imperative, urging or advising someone to make an effort to focus their attention. Ludwig examples show its use across different contexts, from sports to personal advice, indicating a broad applicability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct and usable instruction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "try to concentrate" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that advises or encourages someone to focus their attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, though its register is generally neutral. While very common, especially in news and media, consider varying your language with alternatives like "attempt to focus" or "endeavor to concentrate" to avoid repetition and tailor the tone to your audience. Remember to use "try to concentrate" when urging someone to direct their mental effort effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to focus

Replaces "try" with "attempt", emphasizing the act of making an effort to focus.

endeavor to concentrate

Uses "endeavor" for a more formal tone than "try".

strive to focus

Emphasizes the effort and determination in focusing.

make an effort to concentrate

More descriptive, highlighting the action of making an effort.

seek to focus

Implies a deliberate attempt to find focus.

aim to concentrate

Suggests that concentrating is a goal to be achieved.

focus your attention

Shifts the focus to directing attention.

try to maintain focus

Highlights the act of keeping focus.

work on concentrating

Emphasizes the ongoing effort required for concentration.

dedicate yourself to concentrating

Suggests a strong commitment to concentrating.

FAQs

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

You can use "try to concentrate" when advising someone to focus their attention, such as: "If you want to finish the project on time, "try to concentrate" on the task at hand."

What are some alternatives to "try to concentrate"?

Some alternatives include "attempt to focus", "strive to focus", or "make an effort to concentrate". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "try to concentrate" formal or informal?

"Try to concentrate" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal situations, consider using alternatives like "endeavor to focus".

What's the difference between "try to concentrate" and "want to concentrate"?

"Try to concentrate" implies an effort to focus, while "want to concentrate" expresses a desire to do so. One suggests action, the other intention. For example: "I "try to concentrate", but I'm distracted" versus "I "want to concentrate", but I'm too tired".