try to identify

USAGE SUMMARY

"try to identify" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are encouraging someone to think about something and figure out what it is. For example, "Try to identify the bird species in the photo."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Try to identify the correct questions.

University of California, Berkeley

I try to identify: 'Why am I tripping?

The New York Times

We try to identify drugs that will eliminate disease.

The New Yorker

To create outcome dependency, try to identify opportunities for collaboration.

Harvard Business Review

First, try to identify the source of your stress.

Harvard Business Review

How small a thing should we try to identify?

Cornell University

He may also try to identify your non-settlement alternatives.

Harvard University

But we can try to identify a common, achievable standard.

Cornell University

Enquiries continue to try to identify the suspect".

Independent

Taguchi designs try to identify controllable factors that can minimize the effects of noise factors.

Materials Today: Proceedings

Finally, we try to identify the root causes of deterioration, with some managerial implications for recovery.

Long Range Planning

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "try to identify", ensure the object of identification is clearly defined. For example, instead of "try to identify", specify "try to identify the root cause of the problem."

Common error

In formal contexts, consider replacing "try to identify" with stronger verbs like "determine", "ascertain", or "establish" to convey a greater sense of certainty and authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to identify" functions as an imperative verb phrase, typically used to encourage or instruct someone to make an effort to recognize or determine something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

29%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

11%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try to identify" is a versatile phrase used to prompt an effort to recognize or determine something. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It functions as an imperative, encouraging investigation and understanding. While suitable for various contexts, formal writing may benefit from stronger verbs like "ascertain" or "determine". Predominantly found in news, scientific, and academic sources, it maintains a neutral register. Therefore, when you want someone to make an effort to find out or discover a particular object, element, factor, or subject, "try to identify" is a reliable and effective option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to pinpoint

This alternative emphasizes a more precise effort to locate something.

seek to recognize

This alternative highlights the active pursuit of recognition.

endeavor to determine

This alternative suggests a more formal and systematic effort to find something out.

aim to discern

This alternative focuses on the effort to perceive or distinguish something carefully.

strive to ascertain

This alternative implies a dedicated effort to find something out for certain.

make an effort to discover

This alternative emphasizes the attempt to uncover new or hidden information.

work to detect

This alternative focuses on the active process of finding or noticing something.

venture to diagnose

This alternative implies a more speculative attempt to identify something, often in a medical context.

undertake to uncover

This alternative suggests a planned effort to reveal something.

set out to expose

This alternative highlights the intention to reveal something that is often hidden or problematic.

FAQs

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

You can use "try to identify" to suggest an attempt to recognize or discover something. For example, "We must try to identify the source of the error", or "Try to identify the key differences between the two proposals".

What are some alternatives to "try to identify"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "attempt to pinpoint", "seek to recognize", or "endeavor to determine".

Is "try to identify" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "try to identify" can sometimes sound less assertive in formal writing. Consider using stronger verbs like "determine" or "ascertain" for a more authoritative tone.

What's the difference between "try to identify" and "attempt to identify"?

"Try to identify" and "attempt to identify" are largely interchangeable. However, "attempt to identify" might convey a slightly more formal or deliberate effort.