trying to live

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trying to live" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing the effort or struggle to maintain one's existence or to lead a fulfilling life. Example: "In a world full of challenges, I find myself just trying to live each day to the fullest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You're trying to live life.

The Washington Post

I'm just trying to live my life, man, O.K.? I'm just trying to live my life.

The New Yorker

More people dying for trying to live.

The Guardian

We're all trying to live together.

The Washington Post

"Trying to live as a human".

The Guardian

"Just trying to live the paradoxical commandments".

The New York Times - Books

"But we are trying to live".

The Guardian

But we're trying to live normal lives.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Trying to live was getting too tiring.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The country is trying to live within its means.

The Economist

Everyone is trying to live up to the ballet.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trying to live" when you want to convey the sense of effort, struggle, or continuous action involved in daily existence. It's suitable for both literal and figurative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "trying to live" in situations where simpler terms like "living" or "existing" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic or unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trying to live" functions primarily as a verbal phrase acting as a gerund. The phrase typically acts as a noun in a sentence, often functioning as the subject or object of a verb. Ludwig AI indicates its correct and broad usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "trying to live" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as validated by Ludwig AI. It functions as a verbal phrase, typically acting as a noun within a sentence, and serves to convey the effort or intention behind sustaining existence or pursuing a fulfilling life. While its register is generally neutral to informal, it's predominantly found in "News & Media" contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of overusing it in overly dramatic situations, and consider alternatives like "attempting to survive" or "striving for a better life" depending on the intended emphasis. The phrase's widespread use and adaptability make it a valuable tool in expressing the human condition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempting to survive

Focuses on the basic act of staying alive, often in difficult conditions.

endeavoring to exist

Highlights the effort and determination involved in maintaining one's existence.

striving for a better life

Emphasizes the pursuit of improvement and progress in one's circumstances.

seeking fulfillment

Zeroes in on the quest for personal satisfaction and meaning.

aiming to thrive

Suggests a goal of not just surviving but flourishing and prospering.

working towards a future

Highlights the effort to secure a stable and promising existence.

battling to subsist

Conveys a struggle against hardship to maintain a minimal standard of living.

persisting to remain alive

Focuses on the unwavering effort to overcome challenges and stay alive.

making an effort to get by

Implies a modest goal of simply managing to cope with daily challenges.

struggling for survival

Underscores the difficulties and challenges involved in maintaining one's life.

FAQs

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

You can use "trying to live" to describe the effort someone is making to survive or to lead a particular kind of life. For example, "Despite the challenges, they were just "trying to live their life"."

What are some alternatives to "trying to live"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "attempting to survive", "endeavoring to exist", or "striving for a better life".

Is it correct to say "trying to live my best life"?

Yes, "trying to live my best life" is a common and acceptable phrase. It expresses the intention to make the most of one's life and experiences.

What is the difference between "trying to live" and "living"?

"Trying to live" implies an ongoing effort or struggle to maintain existence or achieve a certain quality of life. "Living", on the other hand, is a more general term that simply refers to the state of being alive.