try to formulate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to formulate" is correct and usable in written English, and can be used to indicate that one is attempting to formulate a plan, idea, or strategy.
For example, "We should try to formulate a plan for the upcoming meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"I decided that I should try to formulate an intervention," Taylor said.

The New Yorker

Most economists observe the world's economies from afar, and try to formulate theories to explain them.

The Economist

Apart from a few references to comparative studies of "traditional" or "tribal" peoples, Hutton does not try to formulate a definition.

The Guardian - Books

So while Scott and his coaches try to formulate a plan to slow Pierce, Martin knows that he is the first option.

The New York Times - Sports

The youthful demonstrators who make up these coordination committees have bridged divides of sect, religion and class to try to formulate a leadership.

The New York Times

The Supreme Court majority may have felt, understandably, that it would be neither realistic nor wise to try to formulate and put in place a uniform standard in six days.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"But they tried to formulate a case".

The New York Times

Several European nations are trying to formulate plans for international observers that Israel might find palatable.

The New York Times

The first Hague convention of 1899 tried to formulate laws prohibiting war crimes.

The Guardian

He tried to formulate a national coaching style to be taught in schools and parks.

The Guardian - Sport

The Obama administration hasn't tried to formulate policy that far into the future.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "try to formulate" when you want to emphasize the effort or attempt involved in creating something, especially when the outcome is uncertain.

Common error

Avoid overusing "try to formulate" in highly formal or academic writing. In such contexts, stronger verbs like "develop", "establish", or "construct" might lend more authority and precision to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to formulate" functions as an expression of intention or attempt. It indicates an effort to create or develop a plan, idea, or strategy. Ludwig examples illustrate its use across various contexts, from political strategy to scientific research.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "try to formulate" is a useful expression to indicate an attempt to create or develop something, whether it's a plan, idea, or strategy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While it is most commonly found in "News & Media" and scientific writing, it maintains a neutral register suitable for general use. When employing this phrase, remember to provide adequate context to clarify the intended outcome of the formulation. While versatile, consider stronger verbs like "develop", "establish", or "construct" for more formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to create

Replaces "formulate" with "create", focusing on the act of bringing something into existence. Similarity score: 92

seek to develop

Uses "seek" instead of "try", emphasizing the intention, and "develop" in place of "formulate", highlighting the process of growth. Similarity score: 90

aim to devise

Employs "aim" to express intention, and "devise" to suggest a more inventive formulation. Similarity score: 88

endeavor to construct

Replaces "try" with "endeavor", indicating a serious effort, and "formulate" with "construct", pointing towards building something systematically. Similarity score: 86

strive to design

Substitutes "try" with "strive", underscoring the effort involved, and "formulate" with "design", highlighting a planned approach. Similarity score: 85

work to establish

Focuses on the effort to "establish" something, implying a solid foundation in the formulation process. Similarity score: 82

make an effort to compose

Emphasizes the exertion involved in "composing" a plan or idea, with a more formal tone. Similarity score: 80

undertake to frame

Uses "undertake" to suggest a commitment, and "frame" in place of "formulate", implying a focus on structure. Similarity score: 78

take steps to conceptualize

Highlights the action of "taking steps" towards "conceptualizing" an idea. Similarity score: 75

venture to originate

Suggests a bolder approach, using "venture" and "originate" to convey creating something novel. Similarity score: 72

FAQs

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

You can use "try to formulate" when expressing an attempt to create a plan, idea, or strategy. For example, "The team will "try to formulate" a solution to the problem".

What are some alternatives to "try to formulate"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "attempt to create", "seek to develop", or "aim to devise" as alternatives to "try to formulate".

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

"Attempt to formulate" and "try to formulate" are quite similar. "Attempt" might suggest a slightly more formal or deliberate effort than "try", but both are generally acceptable.

What's the difference between "try to formulate" and "try to implement"?

"Try to formulate" refers to attempting to create or develop something, such as a plan or idea, whereas "try to implement" refers to attempting to put something already created into practice.