trying hard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trying hard" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to signify effort or dedication to something. For example, you could write: "John is trying hard to finish his project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're trying hard.

The New York Times - Sports

The staff is trying hard.

The New York Times - Sports

Staff are trying hard.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We're trying hard".

The New York Times - Sports

They're really trying hard".

The New York Times

He is trying hard to be irrational.

Independent

"I feel everybody here is trying hard.

The New York Times - Sports

"He has always been trying hard.

Independent

Mora said: "I seen him trying hard.

The New York Times

Is my child trying hard enough?

The New York Times

So our guys are trying hard.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's efforts, pair "trying hard" with specific examples of their actions to demonstrate their dedication.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone is "trying hard" without providing details about their specific actions or challenges. Instead, illustrate their effort with concrete examples to make the description more compelling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trying hard" primarily functions as a verbal phrase, typically used as part of a verb phrase to describe the action of making a significant effort. Ludwig provides numerous examples that confirm its use to emphasize dedication and effort in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trying hard" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe significant effort and dedication. According to Ludwig AI, its most frequent use is within the News & Media domain. While examples from Ludwig show that it's appropriate for various contexts, it's best practice to provide specific examples to support the claim of effort. Alternatives such as "making an effort" or "giving it your all" can add variety to your writing. Overall, "trying hard" is a valuable phrase for expressing commitment and determination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doing your best

This common expression emphasizes the commitment to perform at one's highest capability.

giving it your all

This idiom stresses the complete dedication of one's resources and energy.

going the extra mile

This idiom suggests exceeding the required effort to achieve a better outcome.

making an effort

This alternative emphasizes the act of exerting oneself towards a specific goal.

applying oneself

This alternative emphasizes focus and concentration on the task at hand.

putting in the work

This phrase highlights the dedication and labor involved in pursuing a task.

exerting oneself

This alternative focuses on the physical or mental energy being expended.

striving for excellence

This phrase implies a higher level of aspiration and a pursuit of superior quality.

endeavoring diligently

This formal alternative emphasizes consistent and painstaking effort.

working assiduously

This alternative highlights persistent and attentive effort.

FAQs

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

You can use "trying hard" to describe someone making a significant effort, as in "She is "trying hard" to improve her grades" or "The team is "trying hard" to win the championship".

What are some alternatives to "trying hard"?

Alternatives to "trying hard" include "making an effort", "giving it your all", or "doing your best", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "trying hard" or "trying harder"?

The choice between "trying hard" and "trying harder" depends on the context. "Trying hard" describes a general effort, while "trying harder" suggests an increased level of effort compared to a previous state. For example, "He is "trying hard" to learn the language" versus "He is "trying harder" than ever before".

What does it mean when someone says "They're trying hard"?

When someone says "They're "trying hard"", it typically means they are putting in a significant effort, but it doesn't necessarily guarantee success. It acknowledges their dedication and effort, as seen in many examples from Ludwig.