trying to secure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trying to secure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing efforts to obtain or achieve something, such as a position, funding, or agreement. Example: "The organization is trying to secure funding for its new project to support local communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Kenyan security forces are now combing the shopping centre, trying to secure the site.

BBC

"It's trying to secure a transition for itself.

The New York Times

He spent years trying to secure American passports for them.

The New York Times

The Pakistani authorities are trying to secure Mr. Pearl's release.

The New York Times

He became ill while talking to American officials who were trying to secure his release.

The Economist

Others say such people are trying to secure higher payouts as the spill worsens.

The Economist

Some have turned to crime, while trying to secure political jobs for their leaders.

The Economist

Mrs. Khan is now trying to secure more work for a higher pay.

The New York Times

Does Belgium share any responsibility in trying to secure Libya's arms?

The New York Times

I kept trying to secure the next accomplishment that would make my decision worthwhile.

The New York Times

"Guys are going to be out there trying to secure their FedEx Cup spots or whatever.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trying to secure", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific outcome or resource is being pursued. Clarity enhances the impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "trying to secure" in overly passive sentences where the actor is unclear. Instead, directly state who is making the effort and what they are trying to secure for a more impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trying to secure" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used to express purpose or intention. It's typically part of a larger clause that describes an action being taken with the goal of achieving a specific outcome. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in diverse scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "trying to secure" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for describing the effort to obtain or ensure something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media, and it maintains a neutral register making it versatile for professional and general use. When using the phrase, ensure clarity in specifying what is being secured. While generally acceptable, avoid overuse in passive constructions for a more impactful writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempting to ensure

Focuses on the attempt or effort made. Less emphasis on guaranteed success compared to "trying to secure".

seeking to guarantee

Emphasizes the goal of guaranteeing something, adding a stronger sense of certainty that one hopes to achieve.

working to acquire

Highlights the effort put into obtaining something, often tangible, like resources or possessions.

endeavoring to attain

A more formal and literary way of saying "trying to get". Conveys a serious and determined effort.

aiming to procure

Implies a formal or official effort to obtain something, often involving specific procedures or protocols.

striving to achieve

Emphasizes the continuous effort and dedication required to reach a goal or objective.

looking to finalize

Focuses specifically on completing or making something definite, like an agreement or deal.

taking steps to ensure

Highlights the active measures being implemented to achieve a desired outcome or prevent something undesirable.

in an effort to obtain

This phrase is a more verbose, but equally valid, way of describing a purposeful attempt to get something.

making every effort to win

Suggests that every possible action is being taken to guarantee success in something, often in a competitive context.

FAQs

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

You can use "trying to secure" to describe attempts to obtain something, such as "The company is trying to secure a new contract" or "Negotiators are "trying to secure" the release of hostages".

What are some alternatives to "trying to secure"?

Alternatives include "attempting to ensure", "seeking to guarantee", or "working to acquire", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "trying to secure" formal or informal?

"Trying to secure" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for both professional and news contexts. More formal alternatives exist, such as "endeavoring to attain".

What's the difference between "trying to secure" and "trying to acquire"?

While similar, "trying to secure" often implies ensuring something is firmly in place or protected, whereas "trying to acquire" focuses on obtaining something new or adding to existing possessions. The best choice depends on the specific context.