try to withstand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to withstand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing efforts to resist or endure something challenging or difficult. Example: "She had to try to withstand the pressure of the upcoming exam while balancing her other responsibilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I mean, try to withstand an argument like that!

The New Yorker

Caroline Wozniacki will try to withstand Kim Clijsters's blistering onslaught, and wear her down with patience, shot selection and a high shot tolerance.

The New York Times

That game showed that both teams have much more talent going forward than in defence, although the Burkinabes will be reassured that the Lyon defender Bakary Koné, who departed injured in the fourth minute of the first leg, has recovered to help try to withstand the anticipated onslaught.

The Guardian - Sport

(See "Home Depot Builds In Bad Weather").. Still, Home Depot and rival Lowe's face a challenging environment, as they try to withstand the housing crisis that has limited interest in big-ticket projects around the house.

Forbes

The administration chose a path designed to try to withstand another test before the high court.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Meanwhile, an estimated 15,000 people left homeless are trying to withstand the cold and serious aftershocks.

The New York Times

Dynegy Inc., which once tried to buy Enron and is now trying to withstand its own wave of scandals, has been more forthcoming than most.

The New York Times

In the Mother Goose, she gamely tried to withstand the late rush by Secret Status, who prevailed by the length of her neck.

The New York Times - Sports

They spend the next few hours packed together, trying to withstand the deadly cold forcing its way through the canvas roof.

The Guardian - Books

"The genius of it was that instead of trying to withstand the heat, this blunt shape created a shock wave which would deflect most of the heat away from the capsule," Mr. Chaikin said.

The New York Times

Indonesia will also supervise its banks closely as it tries to withstand tight global credit markets while preparing for elections next year, said Mr. Boediono, who uses just one name.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "try to withstand", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being resisted and why. This provides clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "try to withstand" when a simpler verb like 'resist' or 'endure' would suffice. Overusing this phrase in basic situations can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "try to withstand" is as an infinitive phrase, often acting as a verb phrase within a larger sentence. This phrase indicates an attempt or effort to resist or endure something. As Ludwig examples show, it can describe resisting pressure, onslaughts, or crises.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try to withstand" is a grammatically sound and relatively common infinitive phrase used to convey an effort to resist or endure something challenging. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for a variety of contexts, from news reports to scientific discussions. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being resisted. While useful, avoid overuse in simplistic contexts where simpler alternatives like "resist" or "endure" would suffice. Ludwig's examples highlight its applicability in describing resilience against pressure, crises, and attacks. Its usage spans neutral to professional registers, making it versatile for diverse writing needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to endure

Focuses on the action of enduring, highlighting perseverance through hardship.

strive to resist

Emphasizes the effort and determination in opposing something.

seek to overcome

Highlights the goal of conquering or surpassing a challenge.

endeavor to combat

Implies a more active and forceful attempt to fight against something.

make an effort to resist

General expression indicating an attempt to prevent something from happening.

aim to counteract

Suggests an intention to neutralize or offset the effects of something.

work to repel

Focuses on the action of driving something away or preventing it from approaching.

struggle to bear

Emphasizes the difficulty and effort involved in tolerating something.

fight to weather

Uses 'weather' metaphorically to indicate enduring a difficult period or situation.

try to brave

Highlights the courage needed to face something difficult or dangerous.

FAQs

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

You can use "try to withstand" to describe efforts to resist or endure something challenging. For example, "The company had to try to withstand the economic downturn".

What are some alternatives to "try to withstand"?

Alternatives include "attempt to endure", "strive to resist", or "seek to overcome", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "try to withstand" or simply "resist"?

The choice depends on the context. "Resist" is more direct, while "try to withstand" emphasizes the effort and potential difficulty of the resistance.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "try to withstand"?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight the active effort to endure or resist a significant force or challenge, as opposed to simply stating resistance.