trying for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trying for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an effort or attempt to achieve something. For example, "He is trying for a promotion at work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They're trying for an audience reaction".

The New Yorker

The weekend has been trying for Griffin.

The New York Times - Sports

Real Madrid is trying for its 13th.

The New York Times

They're trying for more.

The New York Times

We're trying for more".

The New York Times

They've been trying for decades.

MIT Technology Review

We're trying for racial harmony".

The New York Times - Arts

So I'm trying for symmetry — course symmetry.

Yale University

I'm trying for lifelikeness, it's true.

The New Yorker

I'm still hoping and trying for that.

The New York Times

"Better and trying for a comeback".

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trying for", ensure the context clearly indicates the goal or outcome being pursued. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

While "trying for" is versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "striving for" or "aiming to achieve" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trying for" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating an attempt or effort directed towards a specific goal or outcome. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

18%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trying for" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to express the intention and effort toward achieving a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and general writing. While it is generally neutral in register, be mindful of more formal alternatives like "striving for" or "aiming to achieve" in professional settings. Remember to clearly indicate the intended goal for enhanced clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

striving for

Implies a sustained and determined effort, suggesting more active exertion than "trying for".

aiming for

Focuses on the direction or target of the effort, emphasizing the intended outcome.

seeking to obtain

More formal and emphasizes the act of acquiring or gaining something.

working towards

Highlights the process and progression of efforts toward a goal.

endeavoring to secure

Formal and emphasizes the seriousness and commitment to achieving a goal.

pursuing

Suggests active chase and commitment to reach an objective.

in pursuit of

More formal and often suggests a dedicated and prolonged effort to obtain something.

making an effort for

More detailed and clarifies that an effort is specifically being made.

intending to get

Focuses on the intention and expected result, emphasizing the desired outcome.

attempting to gain

Highlights the act of attempting and emphasizes the goal of gaining something.

FAQs

How can I use "trying for" in a sentence?

You can use "trying for" to indicate an attempt or effort to achieve something. For example, "They are trying for a promotion", or "We are trying for a better outcome".

What are some alternatives to "trying for"?

Alternatives include "striving for", "aiming for", or "working towards", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "trying for" or "trying to"?

While both are correct, "trying to" is generally followed by a verb (e.g., "trying to succeed"), while "trying for" is followed by a noun (e.g., "trying for success").

What does "trying for" imply in terms of effort?

"Trying for" suggests an active attempt to achieve a goal. The level of effort can vary, but it always indicates some degree of intentional action.