trying to get

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trying to get" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to indicate an attempt or effort to obtain something. Example: Mary was trying to get a promotion at work by working hard and taking on extra responsibilities.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everybody's trying to get here.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm trying to get out".

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm trying to get movement".

The New Yorker

We're trying to get ahead".

The New York Times - Sports

They're trying to get healthier.

The New York Times - Sports

Trying to get in shape.

The New Yorker

Just trying to get by.

The New York Times

Trying to Get Arrested.

Columbia University

"Just trying to get everything together".

The New York Times

No. We're trying to get there.

The New York Times - Sports

"Trying to get it all out".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trying to get" to convey an ongoing effort or attempt, rather than a completed action. For instance, "He is trying to get a promotion" implies the effort is still in progress.

Common error

Avoid using "trying to get" when describing a completed action. Instead of "I am trying to get the tickets yesterday", use "I tried to get the tickets yesterday".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trying to get" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an attempt or effort to obtain something. It often appears as part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., "is trying to get") to describe an ongoing action, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

5%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trying to get" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys an ongoing effort to achieve a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase maintains a neutral tone suitable for diverse contexts. For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "attempting to acquire" or "seeking to obtain". Remember to use "trying to get" to describe ongoing efforts, not completed actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aiming to attain

Focuses on the goal or achievement, suggesting a specific target is being pursued.

striving for

Emphasizes the effort and struggle involved in reaching a particular objective.

attempting to acquire

Focuses more on the acquisition aspect, implying a process to gain something tangible or intangible.

making an effort to gain

Highlights the active exertion of energy towards achieving a goal or benefit.

working towards securing

Implies a sustained effort aimed at ensuring the possession of something.

seeking to obtain

Highlights the seeking aspect, suggesting a more formal or deliberate search.

pursuing the objective of

Implies a dedicated and directed effort toward a specific goal.

in the process of achieving

Focuses on the ongoing nature of the effort, suggesting a progression towards a goal.

endeavoring to procure

Emphasizes the effort and formality in acquiring something, often used in more formal contexts.

on a quest to secure

Adds a sense of adventure or determination to the act of obtaining something.

FAQs

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

You can use "trying to get" to describe an ongoing effort to achieve something, such as "She is trying to get a job" or "They are trying to get home before dark".

What are some alternatives to "trying to get"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "attempting to acquire", "seeking to obtain", or "aiming to attain".

Is "trying to get" formal or informal?

"Trying to get" is generally considered informal. For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "attempting to acquire" or "endeavoring to procure".

What's the difference between "trying to get" and "getting"?

"Trying to get" implies an ongoing effort, while "getting" suggests the action is either completed or in the process of immediate completion. For example, "I am trying to get a new car" means the process is underway, whereas "I am getting a new car" suggests it is happening soon or is already acquired.