trying to return

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trying to return" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing an effort or attempt to go back to a previous place or state. Example: "After a long day at work, I found myself trying to return to the comfort of my home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I'm not trying to return to Reagan-Bush".

The New York Times

Some local fishermen are trying to return to work.

The New York Times

The residents of Galveston were trying to return.

The New York Times

They too had been trying to return home.

The Guardian

Hong Kong is nonetheless trying to return to normal.

The New York Times

So perhaps Google is indeed trying to return a favor.

The New York Times

Many are deportees trying to return to their families and jobs.

The New York Times

Plaxico Burress was still trying to return to form after missing two seasons.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a defective product, and everyone is trying to return it.

The New Yorker

Some rivals were blunt in accusing Mr. Karzai of trying to return power to his supporters.

The New York Times

Other N.H.L. players are trying to return from long-term concussions.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trying to return", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is attempting to go back to, whether it's a physical location, a state of being, or a previous condition.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating the goal. For instance, instead of just saying "They are trying to return", specify "They are trying to return home after the storm" to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trying to return" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as part of a verb phrase to describe an ongoing effort or attempt to revert to a previous state or location. Ludwig examples show its broad applicability across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sports

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trying to return" is a common and grammatically correct gerund phrase used to describe the act of attempting to revert to a previous state or location. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news, sports, and scientific reporting. While generally neutral in register, the phrase benefits from clear contextualization to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "attempting to revert" or "endeavoring to come back" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Remember to clarify the intended destination or state when using the phrase to ensure clarity and avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempting to revert

Focuses on the attempt to reverse a change or situation.

endeavoring to come back

Emphasizes the effort and determination in returning.

seeking to reinstate

Highlights the aim to restore something to its former position.

working to regain

Underscores the effort involved in recovering something lost.

aiming to recover

Focuses on the goal of retrieval or restoration.

striving to re-establish

Emphasizes the struggle to rebuild or reaffirm something.

planning to revisit

Suggests a deliberate intention to return to a place or idea.

intending to retrieve

Highlights the plan to get something back.

hoping to restore

Expresses a wishful desire to bring something back to its original state.

proposing to revert

Suggests making a formal suggestion to come back.

FAQs

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

You can use "trying to return" to describe someone's effort to go back to a previous place, state, or condition. For example, "The company is "trying to return" to profitability after a period of losses".

What are some alternatives to "trying to return"?

Alternatives include "attempting to revert", "endeavoring to come back", or "seeking to reinstate", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "trying to return" or "attempting to return"?

"Trying to return" and "attempting to return" are largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference or the desired level of formality. "Attempting" might be perceived as slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "trying to return" and "want to return"?

"Trying to return" implies an effort or process, while "want to return" simply expresses a desire. "Trying" suggests action and potential difficulty, whereas "want" indicates a preference.