try to imagine

USAGE SUMMARY

"try to imagine" is a valid and useful phrase in written English.
It is used when you are asking someone to think about a concept or a situation. For example: "Try to imagine what it would be like to travel to a distant planet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I try to imagine.

Independent

Don't try to imagine it.

The New Yorker

And try to imagine the other side.

The Guardian - Opinion

(Try to imagine a "Seinfeld" ballet).

The New York Times - Arts

I try to imagine that journey.

The Guardian

"You try to imagine why it was ever covered up".

The New York Times - Arts

Try to imagine "The Canyons" without Lindsay Lohan's celebrity.

The New Yorker

HONG KONG — Try to imagine a world with three Americas.

The New York Times

For that matter, try to imagine him not smiling.

The New York Times - Magazine

I try to imagine who I will be without it.

The New York Times

Now try to imagine him as a woman.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "try to imagine" when you want someone to actively engage their imagination and consider a situation or concept from a new perspective. For example, "Try to imagine the world without social media."

Common error

While "try to imagine" is effective for prompting thought, avoid using it excessively in descriptive writing, as it can distance the reader from directly experiencing the scene. Instead, describe the scene directly to create a more immersive experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to imagine" functions as an imperative, urging the audience to engage in a specific mental exercise. It is primarily used to prompt visualization or contemplation, guiding the recipient to consider a concept or scenario. Ludwig AI indicates its broad usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

28%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "try to imagine" serves as a versatile imperative, prompting active engagement with hypothetical or abstract concepts. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across diverse domains such as News & Media and Science. It encourages empathy, fosters understanding, and sparks creative thought by inviting individuals to visualize scenarios. Although suitable for both formal and informal settings, it's crucial to wield it judiciously in descriptive contexts to avoid distancing readers. Related phrases like "picture in your mind" offer subtle variations in emphasis, while avoiding overuse and maintaining direct descriptions ensures a more immersive writing experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

picture in your mind

Direct and emphasizes mental imagery.

attempt to envision

Formal; emphasizes a deliberate effort to visualize.

endeavor to picture

More formal and emphasizes a committed effort to visualize.

use your mind's eye to see

Emphasizes the mental effort and visual aspect of imagining something.

take a moment to visualize

Suggests a pause for mental imagery; less demanding.

envision in your thoughts

Focuses on mental conception rather than direct sensory imagining.

what if you pictured

Poses a hypothetical scenario for visualization.

consider the possibility

Shifts focus to evaluating a potential scenario, rather than visualizing it.

think about the scenario

General and less vivid than imagining.

just suppose for a moment

Highlights the act of hypothesizing rather than the imagery itself.

FAQs

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

You can use "try to imagine" to encourage someone to consider a hypothetical situation or a different perspective. For example: "Try to imagine what life was like 100 years ago."

What are some alternatives to "try to imagine"?

Alternatives include "attempt to envision", "picture in your mind", or "consider the possibility" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "try to imagine"?

It's appropriate to use "try to imagine" when you want someone to actively visualize a scenario, concept, or feeling that may be unfamiliar to them.

Is "try to imagine" formal or informal?

"Try to imagine" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "endeavor to picture" may be preferred in certain situations.