try to define

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to define" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to make an attempt to explain or clarify the meaning of a term or concept. Example: "In this essay, I will try to define the concept of sustainability and its importance in modern society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We try to define this," she said.

The New York Times

Politicians try to define 'British values'.

The Guardian

So let's try to define it.

Harvard Business Review

"Any threshold you try to define will necessarily be arbitrary".

The New Yorker

If you were to try to define it?

The Guardian - Music

This sounds fine — but try to define "political".

The New York Times

Suppose you and I try to define courage.

The New York Times

LIKE language, cuisine changes as you try to define it.

The New York Times - Books

Let's try to define what would constitute a turning point.

The New York Times

One is to try to define what "music" is.

The Economist

The more you try to define the movie, the faster it sifts away.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Replace "try to define" with a more precise synonym (such as "attempt to explain") if you want to convey a more formal tone.

Common error

Avoid presenting a tentative definition arrived at by "try to define" as an absolute or universally accepted meaning. Always acknowledge the limitations of your definition and encourage further exploration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to define" serves as an introductory verb phrase indicating an attempt to provide a clear explanation or meaning of a concept. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and frequently used across various writing styles. It sets the stage for a forthcoming definition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

HuffPost

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "try to define" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce an attempt to clarify the meaning of a term or concept. Ludwig AI highlights its widespread use across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it is essential to remember it suggests an exploratory process, and the writer should avoid presenting the resultant definition as absolute. Consider alternatives such as "attempt to define", "seek to define", or "aim to define" to achieve a more formal or precise tone. When in doubt, analyze your context and ask what kind of clarification is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to define

Replaces "try" with the more formal "attempt", indicating a more deliberate effort.

seek to define

Substitutes "try" with "seek", emphasizing the intention or pursuit of a definition.

endeavor to define

Employs "endeavor" instead of "try", suggesting a more earnest and determined effort.

make an effort to define

Rephrases "try to define" into a more expanded form using "make an effort".

set out to define

Uses "set out" to convey the commencement or initiation of the defining process.

aim to define

Replaces "try" with "aim", focusing on the goal-oriented nature of defining.

work to define

Indicates an active and ongoing process of defining, using "work" instead of "try".

strive to define

Emphasizes the effort and struggle involved in defining, using "strive".

undertake to define

Suggests a formal and committed approach to defining, using "undertake".

grapple with a definition

Focuses on the struggle and difficulty inherent in creating a definition.

FAQs

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

You can use "try to define" to express an attempt to clarify the meaning of something, as in "In this essay, I will "try to define" the concept of justice".

What are some alternatives to "try to define"?

Alternatives include "attempt to explain", "seek to clarify", or "aim to describe", depending on the desired nuance.

Is it grammatically correct to say "try and define" instead of "try to define"?

While "try and define" is sometimes used colloquially, ""try to define"" is generally considered more grammatically correct in formal writing.

What's the difference between ""try to define"" and "succeed in defining"?

"Try to define" indicates an effort or attempt, whereas "succeed in defining" implies that the definition has been successfully established.