trying to fix

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trying to fix" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an effort to repair or resolve an issue or problem. Example: "I am currently trying to fix the broken printer in the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I'm trying to fix it.

The New York Times

"We are trying to fix the plumbing".

The Economist

I'm trying to fix this.

The Guardian

"We're trying to fix it".

The New York Times

"I'm not trying to fix you up.

The New Yorker

It's like trying to fix a hammer by using the hammer you're trying to fix.

The New Yorker

He added, "I'm not trying to fix the Republican Party, I'm trying to fix America".

The New York Times

Regulators are trying to fix the problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'm always trying to fix things.

The New York Times

What problem are you trying to fix?

The Guardian

"Stop trying to fix it," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone when choosing alternatives; "endeavoring to mend" sounds more formal than "trying to fix".

Common error

While versatile, "trying to fix" can sound informal in professional or academic writing. Opt for alternatives like "attempting to repair" or "working to resolve" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trying to fix" functions as a verbal phrase, specifically a present participle phrase acting as part of a continuous verb tense. It typically describes an ongoing effort to resolve a problem or repair something. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is indeed correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trying to fix" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates an ongoing effort to resolve a problem or repair something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferable in professional or academic writing. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase conveys intent and effort, making it a valuable tool for clear communication. When using "trying to fix", ensure specificity and consider the tone to align with the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempting to repair

Focuses on the action of attempting, emphasizing the effort being made.

making an effort to correct

Emphasizes the general act of putting in effort to fix something, without specifying the method.

working to resolve

Highlights the intention to find a solution, suggesting a more formal and problem-oriented approach.

in the process of mending

Highlights the ongoing nature of the effort, suggesting that the fixing is currently happening.

endeavoring to mend

Implies a more diligent and careful effort to restore something to its original condition.

taking steps to improve

Focuses on the incremental actions taken towards a positive change or resolution.

seeking to rectify

Suggests a more formal and systematic attempt to correct something that is wrong or unjust.

aiming to correct

Focuses on the intention and goal of the action, implying a directed effort.

striving to resolve

Emphasizes the difficulty and dedication involved in finding a solution.

looking to remedy

Implies a search for a cure or solution to a problem, often used in medical or legal contexts.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "trying to fix"?

You can use alternatives like "attempting to repair", "working to resolve", or "endeavoring to mend" depending on the context.

Is "trying to fix" grammatically correct?

Yes, "trying to fix" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe an effort to repair or resolve an issue.

When is it appropriate to use "trying to fix"?

"Trying to fix" is appropriate in various contexts, from informal conversations to news reports. However, in formal or academic writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives.

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

"Trying to fix" is a more general and informal phrase, while "attempting to repair" suggests a more deliberate and potentially technical effort. The choice depends on the context and desired tone.