trying to resist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trying to resist" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an effort to withstand or oppose something, whether it's a temptation, an emotion, or an external force. Example: "She found herself trying to resist the urge to eat the delicious cake in front of her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The council is trying to resist them.

The Economist

With budgets tight, librarians are trying to resist price increases.

The Economist

"One soldier was trying to resist and the other one was willing to surrender".

The New York Times

Muscles produce their greatest force not when shortening, but when trying to resist being lengthened.

The Economist

In either case, the foolishness of trying to resist the forces of nature is evident.

The New York Times

It's as though India became a snake charmer, with Ruth trying to resist".

The Guardian - Film

I spend a lot of time trying to resist doing anything, really!

The Guardian - Film

"They're trying to resist me, but it's not going to work.

The New Yorker

He's trying to resist the sentimentality that so often gushes from treatments of wolf-persuading, leper-hugging Francis.

The New Yorker

As he put it, "I pretty much spent half my life trying to resist other people's timetables".

The New York Times - Magazine

Vindex committed suicide after vainly trying to resist the Roman armies of the Rhine under the command of Verginius Rufus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider varying your language to avoid overuse of "trying to resist". Alternatives like "attempting to withstand" or "struggling to oppose" can provide nuanced meaning and prevent repetition.

Common error

Avoid phrasing that obscures who is "trying to resist". Instead of "The changes were being tried to resist", specify who is resisting: "The community was trying to resist the changes". This makes your writing more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trying to resist" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as part of a verb phrase to describe an ongoing action. It indicates an effort or attempt to oppose or withstand something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trying to resist" is a versatile and commonly used gerund phrase that describes the act of opposing or withstanding something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It's frequently found in news and media contexts, reflecting its utility in describing struggles against various forces, temptations, or changes. While generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being resisted to enhance clarity and impact. By considering related phrases and avoiding passive voice, writers can further refine their expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempting to withstand

Focuses on the act of withstanding, implying a struggle against a force or pressure.

struggling to oppose

Highlights the difficulty and effort involved in opposing something.

endeavoring to thwart

Implies a more formal and determined effort to prevent something from succeeding.

seeking to counter

Suggests an active attempt to neutralize or offset something.

aiming to impede

Emphasizes the intention to slow down or obstruct something.

working to combat

Focuses on actively fighting against something, often a problem or threat.

striving to combat

Emphasizes the effort put to fighting against something, often a problem or threat.

making an effort to defy

Highlights a deliberate act of disobedience or challenge.

seeking to block

Suggests an attempt to prevent something from happening or progressing.

undertaking to challenge

Indicates a commitment to questioning or disputing something.

FAQs

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

You can use "trying to resist" to describe an effort to oppose something, as in "She was "trying to resist" the temptation to eat the cake". The phrase indicates an active effort to withstand something.

What are some alternatives to "trying to resist"?

Alternatives include "attempting to withstand", "struggling to oppose", or "seeking to counter". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "attempting to resist" than "trying to resist"?

Yes, "attempting to resist" is slightly more formal than "trying to resist". "Trying" is more conversational, while "attempting" implies a more deliberate or significant effort.

What's the difference between "trying to resist" and "successfully resisting"?

"Trying to resist" indicates an ongoing effort, without specifying the outcome. "Successfully resisting" implies that the effort was effective and the person or entity managed to withstand or oppose whatever they were facing.