try to do something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to do something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you would like to ask someone to make an effort to do something. For example, "Can you please try to finish the project by tomorrow?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Try to do something silky.

The New Yorker

"I will try to do something different".

The Guardian - Sport

He's right to try to do something".

The New York Times

We'll try to do something creative.

The New York Times - Arts

"You try to do something nice.

The New York Times

"Looks like it's gonna try to do something," he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I decided to try to do something about it".

The New York Times

They asked me to try to do something.

The New York Times

So why not try to do something about it?

The New York Times

But I am going to try to do something different.

The New Yorker

It's quite another to try to do something about it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When encouraging someone, follow "try to do something" with a specific action to increase clarity and motivation. For example, "Try to call a friend" is more helpful than just "Try to do something".

Common error

Avoid using "try to do something" when a more specific verb would be clearer and more impactful. Instead of "try to do something about climate change", consider "advocate for policies" or "reduce your carbon footprint".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to do something" functions as an infinitive phrase, often serving as the complement of a verb or as an adverbial modifier. It expresses an intention or attempt to perform an action. Ludwig shows that this phrase is widely used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "try to do something" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates an intention or effort to perform an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. While primarily found in News & Media and informal Wiki contexts, it's important to note the register and consider more specific verbs for formal or scientific writing. Remember to use it with specific actions for clarity and avoid vagueness. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its diverse usage, helping you to understand its nuances and apply it effectively in your own writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to achieve something

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the goal-oriented nature of the attempt.

make an effort to act

This alternative highlights the exertion of effort and focuses on the action itself.

endeavor to accomplish something

This alternative is a more formal and sophisticated way of expressing the idea of trying.

strive to perform a task

This alternative suggests a sustained and determined effort toward a specific task.

take steps to resolve

This alternative focuses on addressing a problem through a series of actions.

seek to create an outcome

This alternative emphasizes the intention to bring about a particular result.

aim to execute a plan

This alternative highlights the planning and execution aspects of the attempt.

venture to undertake action

This alternative suggests a willingness to take risks in pursuing a course of action.

set out to complete something

This alternative implies a clear starting point and a commitment to finishing a task.

give something a shot

This alternative is more informal and suggests a less serious or committed attempt.

FAQs

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

You can use "try to do something" to express an attempt or effort to perform an action. For example, "I will "try to do something" to help you with your project", or "We should "try to do something" special for her birthday".

What are some alternatives to "try to do something"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "attempt to achieve something", "make an effort to act", or "endeavor to accomplish something".

Is it correct to say "tried to do something"?

Yes, "tried to do something" is the past tense form of ""try to do something"" and is grammatically correct. For example, "I "tried to do something", but I failed".

When should I use "try to do something" instead of a more specific verb?

Use ""try to do something"" when you want to express an intention to make an effort without guaranteeing a specific outcome. If you are confident in achieving a result, a more specific verb like "fix" or "create" might be more appropriate.