try to play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to play" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting someone make an effort to engage in a game or activity. Example: "If you're feeling up to it, you should try to play the new video game that just came out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You just try to play".

The New York Times

We will try to play well, obviously.

The New York Times - Sports

We certainly don't try to play gotcha.

The Washington Post

Did you try to play through it?

The New York Times - Sports

I try to play by the rules.

The New York Times

I'll just try to play my game".

The New York Times - Sports

I try to play every weekend.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yes, I still try to play.

The New York Times - Magazine

People would try to play that system.

The Guardian - Tech

"You just try to play your game.

The New York Times - Sports

I'll try to play with it or work around.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "try to play" to encourage someone to participate in an activity, emphasizing the attempt rather than the expectation of immediate success.

Common error

Avoid using "try to play" without specifying what is being played. For example, instead of "I try to play", say "I try to play the guitar" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to play" functions as a verb phrase expressing intent or attempt. It indicates an effort to engage in a specific activity. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is commonly used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

30%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try to play" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express the intention or effort to engage in an activity. Ludwig AI indicates that it's considered correct and frequently used. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from casual conversations to news reports. While frequently appearing in News & Media, Wiki and Academia sources, ensure the object of 'play' is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "attempt to play" or "aim to play" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to play

Replaces "try" with a more formal synonym, "attempt", indicating a deliberate effort.

make an effort to play

Emphasizes the exertion of effort involved in playing.

strive to play

Implies a greater degree of dedication and ambition in the attempt to play.

aim to play

Focuses on the intention or goal of playing.

seek to play

Suggests a proactive search for opportunities to play.

endeavor to play

Presents a more formal and earnest attempt to play.

have a go at playing

Offers a more informal and casual approach to trying to play.

give playing a shot

Suggests an attempt with no guarantee of success.

take a crack at playing

Indicates a casual attempt, often in a challenging situation.

venture to play

Suggests an element of risk or uncertainty in the attempt to play.

FAQs

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

You can use "try to play" to express an intention to participate in a game or activity, such as "I will "try to play" the piano this evening" or "Let's "try to play" a game of chess after dinner".

What are some alternatives to "try to play"?

Instead of "try to play", you could use phrases like "attempt to play", "make an effort to play", or "aim to play" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it better to say "try to play" or "try playing"?

Both "try to play" and "try playing" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Try to play" means to make an effort to play, while "try playing" suggests experimenting with the act of playing to see if you like it.

What's the difference between "try to play" and "intend to play"?

"Try to play" implies an attempt or effort, while "intend to play" suggests a firm plan or purpose. "I "try to play"" suggests you'll make an effort, whereas "I "intend to play"" expresses a definite plan.