trying to kill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trying to kill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is attempting to cause harm or death to another person or thing, often in a figurative or dramatic sense. Example: "The villain in the story is constantly trying to kill the hero, creating a tense atmosphere throughout the plot."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Trying to kill us.

The New York Times

Trying to kill a bodybuilder".

The New Yorker

"However, they're trying to kill Damien".

The New York Times

"These people are trying to kill us".

The New Yorker

Microsoft was trying to kill us.

The New York Times

He is trying to kill you".

The New York Times

Why are people trying to kill him?

The New York Times - Books

The police are trying to kill me".

The New York Times

Stop trying to kill them".

The Guardian

He's trying to kill them".

The New York Times

But I wasn't trying to kill her".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trying to kill", ensure the context clearly indicates the intent and target. The phrase can be used literally or figuratively to describe attempts to harm, eliminate, or suppress.

Common error

Be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation, especially in sensitive contexts. Ensure your audience understands the figurative or literal intent behind the phrase "trying to kill" to prevent unintended offense or alarm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trying to kill" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle phrase acting as part of a continuous verb tense. It denotes an ongoing action or attempt to end a life or destroy something, as evidenced by Ludwig and its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "trying to kill" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe an ongoing attempt to end a life or destroy something, either literally or figuratively. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples across various contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources and carries a neutral register, though the specific tone depends on the context. While direct and potentially alarming, understanding the intended meaning is essential to avoid misinterpretations. To soften this expression, one could consider alternative expressions such as "attempting to murder" or "seeking to eliminate".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempting to murder

Focuses specifically on the intention to commit murder.

seeking to eliminate

Implies a systematic effort to remove something or someone.

aiming to assassinate

Suggests a planned effort to kill a prominent figure.

plotting to destroy

Emphasizes the planning aspect of causing destruction or death.

intending to dispatch

A more formal way of expressing the intention to kill.

endeavoring to slay

Uses archaic language to describe the act of killing, creating a dramatic effect.

working to eradicate

Focuses on the effort to completely remove something undesirable.

striving to terminate

Implies a formal or clinical approach to ending something's existence.

hoping to neutralize

Suggests an effort to render something harmless or ineffective, which could involve killing.

looking to off

A more casual and informal expression for attempting to kill.

FAQs

What does "trying to kill" mean?

The phrase "trying to kill" describes an attempt to end a life or, figuratively, to destroy or eliminate something. The attempt may or may not be successful.

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

You can use "trying to kill" to describe a literal attempt on someone's life, as in "The enemy was "trying to kill" us". It can also be used figuratively, such as "The company is "trying to kill" its competition".

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

You can use alternatives like "attempting to murder", "seeking to eliminate", or "plotting to destroy" depending on the specific context.

Is it always literal when someone is "trying to kill"?

No, the phrase "trying to kill" can be used figuratively. For instance, it can describe a company's aggressive business tactics aimed at destroying a competitor or a policy designed to eliminate a specific problem. The literal or figurative meaning is determined by context.