trying to provide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trying to provide" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing an effort to offer something, such as information, assistance, or a service. Example: "We are trying to provide the best customer service possible to ensure satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Are we trying to provide an illusion?

The New York Times

I'm trying to provide a service".

The New York Times

The towns are trying to provide something a little fancier.

The Economist

"We are trying to provide useful background," he said.

The New York Times

He is still trying to provide housing for the poor.

The New York Times

We were trying to provide jobs to the local community".

The New York Times

We're trying to provide a platform for that".

The Guardian - Sport

We are trying to provide them with [help].

The Guardian

"We are trying to provide them with information".

The New York Times - Food

Several others have been injured while trying to provide assistance.

The Guardian

It's an inconsistent division and we're trying to provide and build consistency.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trying to provide", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being offered or supplied. Specify the intended recipient or beneficiary to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "trying to provide" when a more precise verb could better convey the specific action. For example, instead of "trying to provide help", consider "attempting to assist" or "offering support" to add nuance and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trying to provide" functions as an infinitive phrase, often acting as an adjective or adverb to modify a verb or noun. It describes the action of attempting to supply or offer something as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trying to provide" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express an effort to offer or supply something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, especially in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being offered and to whom. While common, consider whether a more precise verb might enhance your writing. Be mindful that, although similar to alternatives like "attempting to supply" or "seeking to offer", it's important to choose the phrase that best conveys the intended nuance. Overall, "trying to provide" is a reliable and frequently used expression in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempting to supply

Focuses on the effort to furnish or make available something needed or wanted.

seeking to offer

Emphasizes the intent to present something for acceptance or rejection.

endeavoring to give

Highlights a serious or determined effort to impart or present something.

striving to contribute

Suggests a competitive or challenging effort to add or give something of value.

working to deliver

Emphasizes the labor and effort involved in bringing something to someone.

aiming to furnish

Highlights the purpose or goal of equipping or supplying something.

looking to extend

Focuses on reaching out to offer or supply something, often with a sense of generosity.

in an effort to grant

Emphasizes the endeavor to bestow or confer something, often a right or privilege.

making an attempt to allocate

Suggests a deliberate effort to distribute or set aside something for a specific purpose.

taking steps to ensure

Highlights actions taken to guarantee or secure something, often with a focus on reliability.

FAQs

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

You can use "trying to provide" to describe an effort to offer or supply something, for example: "We are trying to provide the best possible service" or "The organization is trying to provide assistance to those in need".

What are some alternatives to "trying to provide"?

Alternatives include "attempting to supply", "seeking to offer", or "endeavoring to give", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "trying to provide" or "attempting to provide"?

Both "trying to provide" and "attempting to provide" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on personal preference and the desired level of formality, with "attempting" sometimes sounding slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "trying to provide" and "willing to provide"?

"Trying to provide" indicates an effort in progress, while "willing to provide" suggests a readiness or eagerness to offer something. The former implies action, while the latter implies intention.