try to eat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to eat" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting or encouraging someone to make an effort to consume food, often in contexts where they may not feel like eating. Example: "If you're feeling unwell, it's important to try to eat something light to keep your energy up."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I really do try to eat healthy.

The New York Times

I try to eat less on holiday.

Independent

I try to eat the right things.

Independent

I'll try to eat this horrible salad.

Yale University

Doing excercise but try to eat less.

Harvard University

Children might try to eat them.

Harvard University

I exercise and try to eat healthy.

Harvard University

Definitely don't try to eat those.

Britannica

"I try to eat the whole thing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I try to eat some every day.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Try to eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When suggesting someone eats despite a lack of appetite, use "try to eat" followed by a specific, easily digestible food suggestion. For instance, "Try to eat some soup." This provides a practical and gentle encouragement.

Common error

Avoid using "try to eat" when the context implies a simple, effortless act of eating. For example, instead of saying "Try to eat your lunch," simply say "Eat your lunch" unless the person is struggling to do so.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to eat" functions as an infinitive phrase, indicating an attempt or effort to perform the action of eating. As Ludwig AI suggests, this is often used when there's a challenge or lack of inclination to eat, not when the eating is a simple, straightforward action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

39%

News & Media

29%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try to eat" is a common and grammatically correct infinitive phrase used to suggest or encourage someone to consume food, particularly when they might not feel like it. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for neutral to informal contexts. The phrase appears frequently across diverse sources, especially Wiki, News & Media and Academia, showing its broad applicability. When you are employing this phrase, remember to focus on gentle encouragements and to avoid overemphasizing situations where eating should be straightforward.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to consume

Replaces "eat" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing the act of consumption.

make an effort to eat

Highlights the exertion of effort in the act of eating.

endeavor to eat

Uses a more formal term, "endeavor", to convey the attempt to eat.

aim to eat

Focuses on the intention or goal of eating.

seek to eat

Suggests a proactive approach to finding or being able to eat.

plan to eat

Emphasizes the planning or anticipation of eating.

consider eating

Indicates a thought process involving the possibility of eating.

manage to eat

Implies overcoming a challenge or difficulty in order to eat.

force yourself to eat

Suggests a lack of appetite and the need to compel oneself to eat.

bring oneself to eat

Highlights the mental or emotional effort required to start eating.

FAQs

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

You can use "try to eat" when suggesting or encouraging someone to consume food, especially when they might not feel like eating. For example, "If you're feeling unwell, it's important to "try to eat" something light."

What are some alternatives to saying "try to eat"?

Alternatives include "attempt to consume", "make an effort to eat", or "endeavor to eat", depending on the formality and context.

Is it better to say "try to eat" or "attempt to eat"?

"Try to eat" is generally more common and informal, while "attempt to eat" sounds more formal and deliberate. The best choice depends on the specific context and audience.

When should I avoid using the phrase "try to eat"?

Avoid using "try to eat" when the act of eating is straightforward and doesn't require special effort. In such cases, a simpler instruction like "Eat your dinner" is more appropriate.