try very hard

USAGE SUMMARY

"try very hard" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to emphasize that someone should make an effort to reach a goal or accomplish something. For example: "If you really want to succeed, you'll have to try very hard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I try very hard".

The New York Times

You must try very hard".

The Guardian - Sport

But I didn't try very hard.

The New York Times

Julia (sp), I will try very hard.

The New York Times

I try very hard not to anticipate.

The Guardian - Books

We try very hard not to.

The New York Times

I try very hard to arrange meetings on non-U.S.

The New York Times

Indeed, neither side seems impelled to try very hard.

The Economist

They don't even try very hard to hide it.

The New York Times

"We try very hard to use good products.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We're going to try very hard," he said Thursday afternoon.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "try very hard" to convey a sincere commitment and effort towards a specific goal. This phrase works well when you want to emphasize the dedication involved.

Common error

Avoid using "try very hard" excessively in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "make a strong effort" or "strive diligently" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try very hard" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used as part of a larger verb construction to indicate a significant degree of effort or intention. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It's used to emphasize the intensity of the attempt.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

18%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try very hard" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to emphasize significant effort and determination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, from news articles to academic papers, and everyday conversations. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "make a strong effort" or "strive diligently" to maintain the impact of your writing. Remember, the key is to convey sincerity and commitment effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a strong effort

This alternative focuses on the exertion of effort, emphasizing the deliberate action taken.

strive diligently

Replaces "try" with "strive" and "very hard" with "diligently", suggesting persistent and careful effort.

exert maximum effort

Highlights the intensity of the effort being put forth, implying that all possible resources are being used.

give it your all

This idiomatic expression means to dedicate all of one's energy and resources to a task.

do your utmost

Implies doing the best that one is capable of doing, emphasizing the high standard of effort.

put your best foot forward

An idiomatic expression suggesting one starts with their best effort, highlighting presentation and initial impression.

leave no stone unturned

Indicates a comprehensive approach, suggesting that every possible avenue will be explored.

go the extra mile

This implies exceeding expectations and doing more than what is strictly required.

endeavor earnestly

This phrase combines "endeavor", which suggests an attempt, with "earnestly", highlighting sincerity and seriousness in the attempt.

bend over backwards

This idiom suggests an extreme effort, often involving inconvenience or sacrifice, to achieve a desired outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "try very hard" in a sentence?

You can use "try very hard" to describe someone's dedicated effort. For example, "If you "want to succeed", you need to try very hard".

What can I say instead of "try very hard"?

Alternatives include "make a strong effort", "strive diligently", or "exert maximum effort", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "try very hard" or "try really hard"?

Both "try very hard" and "try really hard" are acceptable, but "try very hard" may sound slightly more formal. The choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What's the difference between "try hard" and "try very hard"?

Adding "very" to "try hard" intensifies the effort being described. "Try very hard" emphasizes a stronger commitment and greater dedication compared to simply "try hard".