try to do better

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to do better" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when encouraging someone to improve their performance or behavior in a specific context. Example: "After reviewing your last project, I believe you can try to do better in your next presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I'll try to do better".

The New Yorker

"I'll try to do better next time".

The New Yorker

Anyway, I will try to do better in future.

The New Yorker

Otherwise, the Jets will just try to do better.

The New York Times - Sports

You can just move on and try to do better.

The New York Times

My response to the critics: Try to do better!

The New York Times

"I will try to do better next year".

The New Yorker

And he pledged, "I'll try to do better".

The New York Times

"And I -- I -- I'm going to try to do better".

The New York Times

But I hear you and will try to do better".

The New York Times - Books

"We'll try to do better than last year but maybe just for a little longer.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "try to do better" when you want to express a genuine intention to improve a specific behavior or performance. It conveys a sense of responsibility and commitment to positive change.

Common error

While "try to do better" is a useful expression, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "strive for improvement" or "make an effort to excel" to maintain reader engagement and provide a more nuanced message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to do better" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase expressing intention or commitment. It is often used as a declarative statement to convey that someone will make an effort to improve their performance or behavior. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is usable and correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "try to do better" is a common and correct expression used to convey an intention to improve, as supported by numerous examples found by Ludwig. It's grammatically sound and versatile, fitting various contexts from news and media to formal business settings. While it's generally neutral in register, it is essential to ensure you convey commitment and sincerity and avoid overuse, considering synonyms for a more nuanced message. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a practical and effective way to express a dedication to positive change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strive for improvement

Focuses on the continuous effort towards betterment.

work towards betterment

Focuses on the active process of working to improve.

endeavor to improve

Emphasizes a serious and determined attempt to do better.

aim for progress

Highlights the goal-oriented nature of trying to do better.

make an effort to excel

Stresses the exertion of effort to achieve superior performance.

pursue excellence

Highlights the active pursuit of superior quality.

seek to enhance

Highlights the pursuit of enhancement and betterment.

aspire to greater heights

Implies aiming for more significant achievements.

seek advancement

Emphasizes the desire to move forward and improve.

give it your best shot

Suggests putting in maximum effort in attempt to improve.

FAQs

How can I use "try to do better" in a sentence?

You can use "try to do better" to express an intention to improve in a specific area. For example, "I realize I made mistakes and I will "try to do better" in the future."

What is a more formal way to say "try to do better"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "endeavor to improve", "strive for excellence", or "aim for progress" instead of ""try to do better"".

Which is correct, "try to do better" or "try and do better"?

Both "try to do better" and "try and do better" are used, but ""try to do better"" is generally considered more grammatically correct. "Try and do better" is more informal.

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

"Try to do better" implies an active effort and commitment to improve, whereas "want to do better" simply expresses a desire without necessarily indicating action. For instance, saying "I want to do better" suggests a wish, but saying "I'll try to do better" suggests a promise to make an effort.