try to figure out

USAGE SUMMARY

"try to figure out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of trying to find a solution to a problem or to understand something. For example: "I'm having trouble understanding the math problem. I'm going to try to figure out the correct answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We try to figure out what's changing".

The Guardian - Sport

Try to figure out where daughter might fit in.

The New York Times

You try to figure out where to put a semicolon.

The New Yorker

So let's try to figure out where's the cash.

The New Yorker

"I'll let you try to figure out which half".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Try to figure out this team at your own risk.

The New York Times - Sports

Do not try to figure out Jeter's gaze.

The New York Times - Sports

Learning happens when they try to figure out why".

The New York Times - Tech

"I try to figure out what's really going to happen".

The Guardian

Only thing is, must try to figure out which governor.

The New Yorker

We have to try to figure out, why there?

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "try to figure out", ensure the context clearly indicates what you are attempting to understand or resolve. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

In formal writing, avoid overusing "try to figure out". Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "endeavor to ascertain" or "seek to determine" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to figure out" functions as a verb phrase indicating an effort to understand or solve something. It's commonly used to express the intention of resolving a problem or gaining clarity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try to figure out" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to express the action of attempting to understand or resolve something. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability, especially in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. While suitable for general use, consider more formal alternatives like "endeavor to ascertain" in professional settings. Remember to ensure clarity and avoid overuse in formal writing. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively incorporate "try to figure out" in your communication while maintaining appropriate register and style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to understand

Focuses on the effort to comprehend something.

make an effort to understand

Highlights the effort someone is doing in order to understand a topic.

seek to determine

Implies a more formal or deliberate effort to find something out.

work to resolve

Highlights the effort to find a solution to a problem.

take steps to determine

Highlights the actions taken in order to determine something.

make an attempt to resolve

Highlights the effort someone is doing in order to resolve something.

look to clarify

Focuses on making something clearer or more understandable.

endeavor to ascertain

Suggests a formal and thorough attempt to find something out.

strive to comprehend

Emphasizes the difficulty and effort involved in understanding.

aim to unravel

Implies a more complex problem that needs to be untangled.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "try to figure out"?

You can use alternatives like "attempt to understand", "seek to determine", or "work to resolve" depending on the context.

How do I use "try to figure out" in a sentence?

You can use "try to figure out" when you want to express the idea of attempting to find a solution or understand something, as in "I need to try to figure out how to fix this problem."

Is "try to figure out" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "try to figure out" is generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives such as "endeavor to ascertain".

What's the difference between "try to figure out" and "attempt to understand"?

"Try to figure out" is more conversational and implies a general effort, while "attempt to understand" can be more formal and suggests a more directed effort towards comprehension.