trying to express

USAGE SUMMARY

"trying to express" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when attempting to explain or articulate an idea, thought, or feeling. For example, "I'm trying to express how grateful I am for your help with this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She sighed, trying to express herself.

The New York Times

We were trying to express ourselves.

The Guardian - Arts

His father said, "He was definitely trying to express himself".

The New Yorker

We need to keep trying to express ourselves.

Independent

What do you think the artist was trying to express?

The New York Times

I'm not trying to express my personal life, really.

The New York Times - Arts

"We were just trying to express ourselves peacefully," she said.

The New York Times

Many men are trying to express virility in harmless ways.

The New Yorker

So, I am now trying to express the below in a kinetic scheme based mechanism.

Yale University

I remember my father trying to express his strong feelings about the beauty of the original.

The New Yorker

"On Twitter or Facebook you're trying to express something real about who you are," she explained.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trying to express", ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand what you are attempting to convey. Clarity is key.

Common error

Avoid using "trying to express" without specifying what you're trying to express. Instead of saying "I'm trying to express myself", provide specific details about the feelings or thoughts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trying to express" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase. It indicates an attempt or effort to articulate or communicate something. According to Ludwig, this is a correct and acceptable way to express an attempt.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

24%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trying to express" is a versatile and commonly used phrase indicating an attempt to articulate thoughts, feelings, or ideas. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its frequency across various domains, particularly in News & Media and Academia, highlights its broad applicability. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure that the context provides enough information for the reader to understand the intended message. Consider alternatives like "attempting to articulate" or "endeavoring to convey" to add nuance to your writing. Remember to avoid vagueness by specifying what you are trying to communicate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempting to articulate

Focuses on the effort to verbalize something clearly.

endeavoring to convey

Highlights the striving to communicate a message effectively.

seeking to communicate

Emphasizes the intent to share information or feelings.

aiming to articulate

Stresses the goal of expressing something precisely.

working to verbalize

Focuses on the process of putting thoughts into words.

striving to put into words

Highlights the difficulty and effort in articulating something.

in the process of communicating

Highlights it as an ongoing action of sharing information

looking to voice

Highlights it as an action of speaking out loud

hoping to share

Emphasizes the desire to impart something with someone.

trying to get across

Focuses on the objective of making something understandable.

FAQs

How can I use "trying to express" in a sentence?

You can use "trying to express" to describe an attempt to articulate thoughts, feelings, or ideas. For example, "She was "trying to express her gratitude" for their support".

What are some alternatives to "trying to express"?

Some alternatives include "attempting to articulate", "endeavoring to convey", or "seeking to communicate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "trying to express" or "attempting to express"?

"Trying to express" and "attempting to express" are largely interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference and the desired tone. "Attempting" might sound slightly more formal.

How do I ensure clarity when "trying to express" complex ideas?

To ensure clarity, follow "trying to express" with specific details and examples. For instance, instead of saying "He was trying to express his feelings", say "He was "trying to express his feelings" of frustration and disappointment with the project's outcome".