try to corner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to corner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when attempting to trap or force someone into a difficult situation or to limit their options. Example: "During the negotiation, he tried to corner his opponent into accepting unfavorable terms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"It was wrong to try to corner Ukraine," he said of Russia.

The New York Times

The increasingly feisty Mr Steinmeier will try to corner her when the two meet in a televised debate on September 13th.

The Economist

They try to corner the pig, run him into a trap, but Clint Eastwood keeps on moving between them, slipping through their fingers like he's greased.

The Guardian - Books

Mr Assad gained from popular Arab perceptions that he had justly backed the right horse, while his Lebanese allies were emboldened to try to corner the pro-Western government in Beirut into dropping its demand for an international tribunal to bring Mr Hariri's killers to book.Opposition to the American-led invasion of Iraq has brought dividends too.

The Economist

Other belters included: "Can you help me find my cat?","Is this vodka anti-Soviet?" and: "What is cheese?" One woman would come in most weeks and try to corner you just to tell you about her husband's failed chocolate-making business.

The Guardian - Film

Unlike other mobile video editing apps, Videolicious has taken steps to try to corner the enterprise market, rather than just go after consumers.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Remember how the Hunts tried to corner the silver market?

The New York Times

It would have found speculators trying to corner the tulip market.

The New York Times

My friend Steve and I once tried to corner a cow and climb on its back.

The New York Times

"Jay Gould tried to corner the gold market in 1869," he said.

The New York Times

It was like a rhino trying to corner a cobra that was too fast, too slippery to be caught.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "try to corner", ensure that the context clearly indicates who is attempting to restrict or control whom, and what the intended outcome is.

Common error

Avoid using "try to corner" when the situation simply involves a negotiation or discussion without an element of pressure or restriction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to corner" functions as a verb phrase indicating an attempt to put someone or something in a disadvantageous position or restrict their options. Ludwig examples show its usage across various contexts, from political strategy to market manipulation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "try to corner" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe attempts to restrict someone's options or gain an advantage in a competitive situation. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. While it appears frequently in news and media, and also in wikis, its neutral tone makes it suitable for various contexts, from describing political strategies to business maneuvers. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the target and intent of the action. Alternatives like "attempt to trap" or "seek to restrict" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try to hem in

Similar to cornering, this phrase emphasizes restricting movement or options.

attempt to box in

Similar to trapping, this indicates an effort to limit options or escape routes.

attempt to trap

Focuses on the act of trapping, implying a deliberate effort to restrict movement or options.

seek to restrict

Highlights the intention to limit or control someone or something.

seek to encircle

Emphasizes the action of surrounding or closing in, creating a sense of confinement.

aim to dominate

Highlights the intent to gain control or superiority over a situation or competitor.

aspire to monopolize

Suggests aiming for exclusive control or possession of something.

strive to outmaneuver

Focuses on using tactics and strategy to gain an advantage over someone.

undertake to subdue

Emphasizes an attempt to bring someone or something under control or dominance.

endeavor to limit

Emphasizes the effort to restrict or reduce something, often resources or opportunities.

FAQs

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

You can use "try to corner" to describe an attempt to put someone in a difficult situation with limited options. For example, "The lawyer "tried to corner" the witness during cross-examination."

What's a good alternative to "try to corner"?

Alternatives include "attempt to trap", "seek to restrict", or "aim to dominate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "try to corner" in formal or informal settings?

"Try to corner" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but consider the specific tone of your writing. In highly formal settings, a more nuanced phrase like "strive to outmaneuver" might be preferred.

What does it mean when someone "tries to corner the market"?

When someone "tries to corner the market", it means they are attempting to gain control over a particular commodity or asset, often by buying up large quantities in order to manipulate the price. See examples like the Hunt brothers who "tried to corner" the silver market.