try to follow

USAGE SUMMARY

'try to follow' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are trying to explain something or give advice. For example, "I'll try to explain this as clearly as I can, so please try to follow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Try to follow it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I try to follow moderation.

The New York Times

I try to follow that.

The Guardian - Music

But I try to follow his philosophy.

The New York Times

I try to follow a healthy diet.

The New York Times

I try to follow the news".

The New York Times

I really try to follow a diet.

The New York Times

I try to follow this spirit.

The New York Times - Books

And you don't try to follow others.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Don't try to follow anybody else.

The New York Times

"I always try to follow the rules.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions, use "try to follow" to encourage the listener to pay attention and understand each step.

Common error

Avoid using "try to follow" repeatedly in a long list of complex instructions, as it can sound condescending. Use it sparingly to emphasize key points.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to follow" primarily functions as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to make an effort to comprehend or keep pace with something. Ludwig examples show this usage in contexts ranging from understanding instructions to grasping complex ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "try to follow" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to encourage understanding and engagement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, from news and media to academic writing and general instructions. While versatile, it's important to use it thoughtfully, avoiding overuse or condescending tones, especially in complex situations. Consider alternatives like "attempt to comprehend" or "endeavor to understand" for a more formal or nuanced approach. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use "try to follow" to enhance clarity and comprehension in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to comprehend

Focuses on the effort to grasp the meaning, implying a mental process.

endeavor to understand

Highlights a serious and determined effort to gain understanding.

aim to understand

Highlights the intention or goal of achieving understanding.

make an attempt to understand

Formally expresses the initiation of an effort to comprehend something.

make an effort to keep up

Emphasizes maintaining pace or progress with something ongoing.

strive to grasp

Implies a struggle to understand something difficult or complex.

seek to comprehend

Formal alternative, suggesting a deliberate search for understanding.

do your best to understand

Emphasizes putting in maximum effort to comprehend something.

work hard to understand

Stresses the diligence needed to achieve comprehension.

try to keep abreast of

Focuses on staying informed about recent developments or news.

FAQs

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

You can use "try to follow" when you want someone to understand or keep up with something. For example, "I'll explain this once, so please "try to follow" carefully."

What are some alternative ways to say "try to follow"?

Alternatives to "try to follow" include "attempt to comprehend", "endeavor to understand", or "make an effort to keep up", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "try and follow" instead of "try to follow"?

While "try and follow" is sometimes used informally, "try to follow" is generally considered more grammatically correct and is preferred in formal writing.

What's the difference between "try to follow" and "try to understand"?

"Try to follow" often implies keeping up with a sequence or a process, while "try to understand" focuses more on grasping the meaning or concept. You might say "try to follow these steps" but "try to understand this theory".