try to find that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to find that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are asking someone to make an effort to locate or discover something specific. Example: "If you have some free time, could you try to find that document we discussed last week?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

It's difficult to try to find that balance".

The New York Times

"I just try to find that balance," he added.

The New York Times - Health

I always try to find that same passion".

The Guardian

"You're looking for those eyes and ears to try to find that child".

The New York Times

"They will do an excavation to try to find that kind of material," Dr. Blake said.

The New York Times

We try to find that perfect space where the scene works on both levels.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

I'm trying to find that balance".

The New York Times - Sports

We've been trying to find that again lately".

The New Yorker

They're trying to find that pitch that made them successful in the past".

The New York Times - Sports

"We are trying to find that solution and balance but that is something which is ongoing".

Independent

"It's about trying to find that space where it's art".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "try to find that" when you want to emphasize the attempt or effort being made to locate something, especially when the outcome is uncertain.

Common error

In formal writing, avoid overusing "try to find that". Opt for more precise verbs like "locate", "discover", or "ascertain" to convey a stronger sense of professionalism and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to find that" functions as an infinitive phrase. It typically acts as a verb phrase, indicating an action or attempt to locate something specific. This is supported by the examples in Ludwig, which show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

13%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "try to find that" is a common and grammatically correct infinitive phrase used to express the intention of making an effort to locate something specific. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with neutral formality. When writing, consider the subtle differences in meaning when choosing alternatives like "attempt to locate that" or "search for that" for greater precision. While versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal writing by opting for more direct verbs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to locate that

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

seek to discover that

Substitutes "find" with "discover", emphasizing the process of uncovering something new or unknown.

endeavor to find that

Replaces "try" with "endeavor", suggesting a more earnest and determined effort.

make an effort to find that

Replaces "try" with "make an effort", providing a more descriptive and explicit indication of the action.

search for that

Focuses on the act of searching, simplifying the phrase and emphasizing the process of looking.

look for that

Provides a more direct and common way to express the action of seeking something.

hunt for that

Suggests a more intensive and persistent search, implying that the object is difficult to find.

investigate that

Implies a more systematic and thorough approach to finding something, often involving examination and analysis.

track down that

Suggests a determined effort to locate something that may be elusive or difficult to trace.

ferret out that

Implies uncovering something hidden or concealed through persistent searching.

FAQs

What does "try to find that" mean?

The phrase "try to find that" means to make an effort to locate or discover something specific. It implies an attempt to search for something with an uncertain outcome.

How can I use "try to find that" in a sentence?

You can use "try to find that" in a sentence to express the act of attempting to locate something. For example, "If you have some free time, could you "try to find that" document we discussed last week?"

What can I say instead of "try to find that"?

You can use alternatives like "attempt to locate that", "seek to discover that", or "search for that" depending on the context.

Is "try to find that" formal or informal?

"Try to find that" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal settings, alternatives like "endeavor to find that" or "make an effort to find that" might be more appropriate.