try to hear

USAGE SUMMARY

'try to hear' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express an encouragement to listen. For example, "We need to discuss this carefully, so try to hear what everyone has to say."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

You should try to hear it.

Independent

I try to hear deeper.

The New Yorker

He didn't even try to hear what.

The New Yorker

Try to hear where sounds come from.

The New York Times - Tech

"As a governing body, you try to hear all sides of it.

The New York Times

…but if you try to hear it as a 'midi' file, don't expect to be overwhelmed.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

"Trying to hear the beat".

The New York Times - Arts

We're trying to hear them out".

The New York Times - Sports

"I wasn't trying to hear it," she said.

Independent

I tried to hear her whispered answer but couldn't.

The New York Times

"I'm trying to hear as far as I can".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking someone to consider your point of view, use "try to hear" to encourage open-minded listening, rather than just passive hearing.

Common error

Avoid using "try to hear" when you actually mean "try to listen". Hearing is simply perceiving sound, while listening involves understanding and processing the information conveyed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to hear" functions as an imperative construction used to encourage or request someone to pay attention not just to the sounds being made, but also to the meaning or intention behind them. Ludwig confirms its general usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

21%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "try to hear" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to encourage attentive and empathetic listening. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English and serves to promote understanding beyond merely perceiving sound. It's important to consider whether "hear" or "listen" is most appropriate. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, Wiki and Academic contexts, making it suitable for a range of communicative situations. Remember to use "try to hear" when you aim to encourage open-mindedness and a deeper comprehension of the message being conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to listen

Focuses on the effort of listening rather than just hearing.

make an effort to listen

Emphasizes the deliberate action of listening.

seek to understand

Implies a more active role in gaining understanding through listening.

endeavor to understand

Shifts the focus to comprehension, not just the act of hearing.

pay attention to

Focuses on directing one's focus towards the auditory input.

make an effort to understand

Similar to making an effort to listen, but includes broader information comprehension.

strive to comprehend

Highlights the struggle to fully grasp what's being said.

focus on listening

Highlights concentration as a key element of hearing

give an ear

An idiomatic expression suggesting attention and consideration.

be attentive

Emphasizes the importance of being fully present while listening.

FAQs

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

You can use "try to hear" to encourage someone to listen attentively and understand a message, as in, "Please "try to hear" what I'm saying before you react".

What's a more formal alternative to "try to hear"?

In more formal settings, consider using phrases like "endeavor to understand" or "make an effort to comprehend" for a similar meaning. These options convey a sense of seriousness and respect.

Is it correct to say "try to hear me out"?

Yes, the phrase "try to hear me out" is a common and perfectly acceptable way to ask someone to listen to your perspective without interruption or judgment.

What's the difference between "try to hear" and "try to listen"?

While similar, "try to hear" often implies an effort to understand the underlying meaning or intention, whereas "try to listen" simply suggests making an effort to pay attention to the sounds being made. "Pay attention to" context to discern which one to use.