trying to make a statement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trying to make a statement" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's intention to express an opinion or convey a message through their actions or words. Example: "The artist is trying to make a statement about social justice through her latest exhibition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Communication

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'm not trying to make a statement.

The New York Times

I think they're just trying to make a statement.

The New York Times

Donors say they are trying to make a statement.

The New York Times

"I wasn't trying to make a statement to the world".

The New York Times - Sports

I think they were trying to make a statement.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think we're trying to make a statement this year," Thomas said.

The New York Times - Sports

Often when I'm at my worst is when I'm consciously trying to make a statement.

The New Yorker

"This is a group of players who are trying to make a statement," he said.

Independent

There are so many young players who are trying to make a statement in this tournament.

The New York Times - Sports

"They're trying to make a statement that they are, in fact, looking for a resolution.

The New York Times

"I'm not being a rebel," he says, "I'm not trying to make a statement.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotation. This phrase often implies the message is somewhat controversial or attention-grabbing.

Common error

Avoid using "trying to make a statement" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced language to convey the intent behind the communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trying to make a statement" functions as a descriptor indicating an intention to communicate a specific viewpoint or message. It suggests a conscious effort to express something significant, as Ludwig AI highlights in numerous examples across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

7%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trying to make a statement" is a common way to describe someone's intention to communicate a message, whether directly or indirectly. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, from news and sports to informal conversation. While versatile, consider the nuance: are you simply conveying information, or deliberately attempting to express a particular opinion? For formal writing, more precise alternatives may be preferable. In conclusion, using this phrase is generally acceptable, but be mindful of your audience and the specific message you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempting to convey a message

Focuses on the act of conveying, highlighting the communication aspect.

seeking to express an idea

Emphasizes the intellectual or conceptual nature of what is being communicated.

aiming to get a point across

Highlights the intention of ensuring the message is understood.

endeavoring to communicate a view

Implies a more formal or deliberate effort to share a particular perspective.

striving to articulate a position

Suggests a struggle to express a specific stance or viewpoint clearly.

intending to send a signal

Focuses on indirect communication and the use of actions to convey a meaning.

looking to get the message out

Emphasizes broader dissemination and reaching a wider audience.

desiring to put across a concept

Highlights a wish to explain a particular idea to others.

wanting to register an opinion

Suggests the individual is seeking to formally document or record a viewpoint.

planning to voice concerns

Focuses specifically on the expression of worries or issues.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone is "trying to make a statement"?

When someone is "trying to make a statement", they're attempting to communicate a specific idea, opinion, or message, often through actions or choices designed to attract attention or spark discussion.

How can I use "trying to make a statement" in a sentence?

You can use "trying to make a statement" to describe someone's intentions, such as: "The artist is "attempting to convey a message" through their work", or "The athlete was "aiming to get a point across" with his pre-game speech".

What are some alternatives to "trying to make a statement"?

Some alternatives include "attempting to convey a message", "seeking to express an idea", or "aiming to get a point across" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "trying to make a statement" and "intending to send a signal"?

While both phrases involve communication, "trying to make a statement" often implies a more direct or overt expression of an opinion, whereas "intending to send a signal" suggests a more subtle or indirect form of communication.