try to keep

USAGE SUMMARY

"try to keep" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to express the idea of doing something in a sustained or consistent manner. For example, "I'm trying to keep a healthy diet".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Try to keep up.

The Guardian

Try to keep perspective.

The Guardian

Try to keep it short.

The New York Times - Tech

Governments try to keep secrets.

The New York Times - Books

I try to keep up.

The New Yorker

We'll try to keep up.

The Guardian - Music

"I try to keep optimistic".

The New York Times

Try to keep that straight.

The New York Times - Magazine

I'll try to keep going.

The Guardian - Sport

Do try to keep up.

The Guardian - Books

I try to keep fit.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and formality of your writing. While "try to keep" is versatile, more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "endeavor to maintain" or "strive to uphold".

Common error

While "try to keep" is acceptable in many contexts, overusing it in formal documents can make your writing sound less professional. Vary your language with alternatives like "endeavor to maintain" or "seek to retain" to enhance the sophistication of your prose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to keep" functions as a verb phrase, expressing an attempt to maintain a certain condition or action. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates a sustained or consistent effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

37%

News & Media

35%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try to keep" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase expressing an effort to maintain a certain state or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. Analysis of example sentences reveals its prevalence in News & Media and Wiki sources, suggesting a neutral register suitable for both informal and professional communication. While the phrase is widely accepted, varying your language with alternatives like "endeavor to maintain" or "strive to uphold" can enhance the sophistication of your writing. By understanding its function, purpose, and common usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "try to keep" into your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

endeavor to maintain

Implies a more formal and sustained effort to keep something in a particular condition.

make an effort to sustain

Highlights the effort required to continue something over a long period.

attempt to preserve

Focuses on protecting something from damage or change, emphasizing its value.

work towards maintaining

Indicates ongoing effort and progress in keeping something in a certain state.

focus on preserving

Emphasizes the concentrated attention given to protecting something from harm or change.

strive to uphold

Suggests a determined effort to maintain a principle or standard, often against opposition.

make a point of maintaining

Highlights the importance of consciously prioritizing the maintenance of something.

seek to retain

Highlights the desire to hold onto something that one already possesses.

do one's best to conserve

Showcases that person is doing everything they can in order to preserve something.

aim to conserve

Emphasizes the careful use of resources to ensure their availability for the future.

FAQs

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

You can use "try to keep" to express an effort to maintain a certain state or action. For example, "I try to keep my workspace organized" or "We try to keep the noise level down after 10 PM."

What are some alternatives to "try to keep"?

Alternatives include "endeavor to maintain", "attempt to preserve", or "strive to uphold", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "try to keep" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "try to keep" might sound less formal than alternatives. Consider using phrases like "seek to retain" or "aim to conserve" in professional or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "try to keep" and "strive to uphold"?

"Try to keep" generally indicates an effort to maintain something, while "strive to uphold" suggests a more determined and potentially challenging effort to maintain a principle or standard.