try to work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting an effort to engage in a task or activity, often implying that the outcome may require some effort or persistence. Example: "I will try to work on my project this weekend, despite my busy schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let's try to work it out.

The New Yorker

I just try to work hard.

The New York Times - Sports

I try to work the memory.

The New Yorker

Instead they try to work around them.

The Economist

I always try to work against that.

The New York Times - Sports

"We try to work together," he said.

The New York Times

And we try to work it out.

The Guardian - Film

Let's try to work something out".

The New York Times - Sports

We try to work within that".

The New York Times

"You try to work things out".

The New York Times - Sports

"I try to work at some creativity.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "try to work", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended level of effort and commitment. For instance, use it when the outcome is uncertain or requires persistence.

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "I'll try to work". Instead, clarify the specific task: "I'll "try to work" on the report this afternoon".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to work" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically serving as part of a verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it expresses an intention or attempt to perform an action, indicating effort and potential uncertainty in the outcome. Examples show its use in diverse contexts, ranging from problem-solving to personal improvement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "try to work" is a common and grammatically correct way to express an intention to make an effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and wiki sources. While versatile, it's important to specify the task to avoid vagueness and to consider alternative phrases like "attempt to function" for more precise communication. Mastering the usage of "try to work" enhances clarity and effectiveness in both writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to function

Focuses on the basic operation or capability to perform a task.

make an effort to operate

Stresses the exertion of energy or resources to achieve functionality.

strive to operate

Emphasizes a dedicated and persistent effort to achieve functionality.

endeavor to perform

Implies a serious and determined effort to carry out a task.

work towards operating

Emphasizes the process and progress made in achieving functionality.

seek to execute

Highlights the intention and pursuit of completing a task.

aim to accomplish

Focuses on the objective or goal intended to be reached through effort.

take steps to function

Implies a series of actions or measures taken to ensure proper operation.

undertake to execute

Suggests a formal commitment to carrying out a task or project.

try to collaborate

Focuses on the effort to work together with others.

FAQs

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

You can use "try to work" to express an attempt to accomplish something, as in, "Let's "try to work" together to solve this problem".

What phrases are similar to "try to work"?

Similar phrases include "attempt to function", "strive to operate", or "make an effort to operate".

Is it correct to say "tried to work" instead of "try to work"?

Yes, "tried to work" is the past tense form and is correct when referring to a past attempt. The present form is "try to work".

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

"Try to work" generally refers to making an effort to achieve any task, while "attempt to collaborate" specifically refers to making an effort to work together with others.