trying to answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trying to answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing an effort to respond to a question or address a topic. Example: "I am trying to answer your question to the best of my ability, but I need more information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are trying to answer these questions.

The New York Times

Much of "Countdown" is spent trying to answer this question.

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, researchers are trying to answer basic questions.

The New York Times - Health

A Pakistani military psychiatrist is trying to answer that question.

The New York Times

And what are the fundamental questions he's trying to answer?

Yale University

Was really about trying to answer your question.

Cornell University

Are there still questions that you are trying to answer?

Princeton University

Researchers will be trying to answer that question for years.

Stanford University

When trying to answer either of these questions, numerous issues need to be considered.

International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences

It's one of the questions we're trying to answer.

The New York Times

Sleep researchers will be trying to answer those questions now.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger verbs like 'seeking' or 'resolving' if you want to emphasize the effort or success in finding an answer.

Common error

Avoid using "trying to answer" without a clear reference to the question or topic. Vague references can confuse the reader and diminish the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trying to answer" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the act of attempting to provide a response or solution. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this construction is widely used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

22%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "trying to answer" is a versatile and commonly used gerund phrase that indicates an ongoing effort to respond to a question or problem. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in both formal and informal contexts. While versatile, the phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, Academia, and Scientific articles. For formal writing, consider alternatives such as "attempting to resolve" or "seeking to answer" to convey a more polished tone. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. It is important to ensure that the context clearly specifies the question or topic being addressed when using "trying to answer" to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempting to resolve

Focuses on the attempt to find a solution, rather than just a response.

seeking to answer

Emphasizes the search or quest for an answer.

working to resolve

Highlights the effort and labor involved in finding an answer.

endeavoring to respond

Implies a more formal and earnest attempt to provide an answer.

in the process of answering

Describes the ongoing action of answering.

aiming to clarify

Shifts the focus to making something clearer through an answer.

tackling the question

Suggests directly confronting and addressing the question.

addressing the problem

Focuses on dealing with an underlying issue or problem.

exploring a solution

Suggests investigating different possible answers or outcomes.

researching the answer

Emphasizes the investigative aspect of finding an answer through research.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "trying to answer" for formal writing?

In formal writing, consider using phrases like "attempting to resolve", "seeking to answer", or "endeavoring to respond" to convey a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "trying to answer" and "attempting to answer"?

While both phrases are similar, "attempting to answer" may suggest a more deliberate or structured approach, whereas "trying to answer" can imply a general effort to respond. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it better to say "trying to answer" or "trying to address" a question?

Both are acceptable, but "trying to address" may be more suitable when the focus is on dealing with the complexities or implications of the question, rather than just providing a direct response. Consider using "trying to address" when the question requires broader consideration.

What are some common mistakes when using the phrase "trying to answer"?

A common mistake is using "trying to answer" without clearly specifying the question being addressed. Ensure the context provides sufficient information about the question or topic to avoid ambiguity. Instead make sure to mention something like "addressing the problem".