try to govern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to govern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing efforts to manage, control, or lead a group, organization, or situation. Example: "The new administration will try to govern effectively while addressing the concerns of the citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Speaking in Athens last November, the Italian philosopher Giorgio Agamben discussed an epochal transformation in the idea of government, "whereby the traditional hierarchical relation between causes and effects is inverted, so that, instead of governing the causes – a difficult and expensive undertaking – governments simply try to govern the effects".

The Guardian - Tech

WHO would try to govern Bolivia?

The Economist

The elite try to govern from the centre.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Gore or Mr. Bush would have to try to govern from the center.

The New York Times

The real question is whether we try to govern migration, and how we can do it.

The Guardian

He is clearly going to try to govern well to the left of the Blair administrations.

The Guardian - Opinion

My guess is that if elected, Mr. Bush will try to govern as he has campaigned.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Vanuatu's government faces a dizzying task, trying to govern a wildly diverse population scattered in 82 volcanic islands over a territory of almost 5,000 square miles.

The New York Times

The question will be put to the test if, as expected, the first Somali government since 1991 is formed and actually tries to govern.

The New York Times

And once they controlled Congress, Republicans tried to govern as if they held the White House, too, eventually shutting down the federal government in an attempt to bully Mr. Clinton into submission.

The New York Times

Upon taking office, Mr. Bloomberg tried to govern that way.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "attempt to lead" or "seek to administer" for variety and to tailor the tone to your specific audience and purpose.

Common error

Be specific about who is "trying to govern". Vague subjects can create confusion and weaken your statement. For example, instead of saying "They try to govern", specify "The new administration tries to govern".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to govern" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an attempt or effort to exercise authority and control. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing actions taken by political entities and individuals in positions of power.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try to govern" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, particularly in news and academic contexts, to describe the effort to manage or control. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for neutral to professional registers. When using "try to govern", be specific about the entity attempting to govern and consider synonyms like "attempt to lead" for varied tone. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its wide applicability in discussing political and organizational dynamics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make an effort to govern

Highlights the conscious and deliberate attempt to exercise control and authority.

attempt to rule

Emphasizes the act of exerting authority and control, similar to governing but with a stronger connotation of power.

seek to administer

Highlights the practical aspects of managing and directing affairs, focusing on execution and oversight.

aim to control

Focuses on exerting influence and directing actions towards a specific outcome or state.

endeavor to lead

Stresses the effort and determination in guiding and directing a group or organization.

strive to manage

Emphasizes the continuous effort and struggle to maintain order and achieve objectives.

take steps to lead

Highlights the deliberate actions taken to assume a leadership role and guide others.

undertake to regulate

Focuses on establishing and enforcing rules and standards, emphasizing the process of oversight.

venture to steer

Suggests a bold or risky attempt to guide and direct a course of action or policy.

try to preside

Focuses on the act of overseeing and directing meetings or proceedings, implying a formal role.

FAQs

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

Use "try to govern" to describe an effort to manage or control a group or situation. For example, "The new administration will "try to govern" effectively while addressing the concerns of the citizens."

What are some alternatives to "try to govern"?

You can use alternatives like "attempt to lead", "seek to administer", or "strive to manage" depending on the specific context you want to convey. Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance in meaning.

Is it correct to say "trying to govern" or should I use "try and govern"?

"Trying to govern" is grammatically correct. "Try and govern" is sometimes used informally but is less precise. Using "trying to govern" ensures clarity and formality.

What's the difference between "try to govern" and "govern"?

"Govern" implies actual authority and control, while ""try to govern"" indicates an attempt or effort to manage, even if successful governance is not guaranteed.