try to match

USAGE SUMMARY

This phrase is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to make two things the same, or to compare them. For example, "Try to match the colors of the tiles to the walls for a cohesive look."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I will try to match you up.

Cornell University

Mortuaries try to match up body parts "like macabre jigsaws".

The New York Times - Books

It's a very high standard to try to match".

The Economist

We used to try to match cinematic levels of detail.

The Guardian - Tech

If they speak very loudly with a lot of hand gestures, try to match their energy.

Columbia University

With this information in hand, doctors then try to match the cancer with existing drugs.

Harvard University

Also, try to match your tone with the person you're chatting with.

Columbia University

Now the McLaren Mercedes duo will try to match qualifying success with racing success.

The New York Times - Sports

States must first try to match their role to their capability, it advises.

The Economist

Detroit isn't likely to try to match the Echo's price.

Forbes

Also, try to match the overall energy of the room.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions, use "try to match" to encourage users to make elements consistent, such as "Try to match the font size across all headings for a professional look."

Common error

While generally acceptable, overuse of the phrase "try to match" can sound informal in formal writing. Consider stronger verbs like "align", "correlate", or "synchronize" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to match" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating an effort or attempt to find a correspondence or similarity between two or more things. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

27%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "try to match" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to suggest an effort to find similarity or equivalence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for written English. While versatile, its register leans towards neutral and slightly informal, suggesting that more formal synonyms might be preferred in professional or academic writing. It is most frequently found in Wiki, News & Media, and Academic content. When using "try to match", aim for clear and concise instructions, and be mindful of the overall tone to ensure it aligns with your intended audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to align

Emphasizes the effort to bring things into agreement.

seek to correlate

Focuses on finding a statistical relationship.

aim to equate

Highlights the intention to make things equal or equivalent.

strive to harmonize

Suggests an effort to create a pleasing or balanced combination.

endeavor to reconcile

Implies resolving differences to achieve compatibility.

try to synchronize

Focuses on making things happen at the same time or rate.

attempt to integrate

Highlights the effort to combine separate elements into a unified whole.

seek to assimilate

Focuses on incorporating something into a larger group or culture.

aim to approximate

Suggests getting close to a value or result, without being exact.

strive to emulate

Implies trying to imitate or copy something to achieve similar results.

FAQs

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

You can use "try to match" when you want to express the act of finding something similar or equivalent, for example: "When choosing a paint color, "try to match" it to the existing trim."

What can I say instead of "try to match"?

Alternatives to "try to match" include phrases like "attempt to align", "aim to equate", or "seek to correlate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "try to match"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "try to match". It is a common and acceptable phrase in English for expressing an effort to find similarity or equivalence.

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

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "try to match" is generally considered less formal than "attempt to match". The latter implies a more deliberate or serious effort.