trying to shake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trying to shake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an effort to rid oneself of something, such as a feeling, habit, or situation. Example: "She was trying to shake off the lingering doubts that plagued her mind before the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"I kept trying to shake him.

The New Yorker

The agency is aggressively trying to shake that antique image.

The New York Times

Mrs. Skipper shuddered, trying to shake loose the mental images.

The New York Times

Or the civil servant trying to shake his Oxycontin addiction?

The New Yorker

Donovan has continued to look out of sorts, trying to shake a post-World Cup malaise.

The New York Times - Sports

You should exult that somebody's trying to shake up the operating system wars.

The New York Times - Tech

Dolan recalls that he and McEwan were trying to "shake off" some "post-hippie junk".

The New Yorker

Nina observed her kitchen, trying to shake off her embarrassing excess of excitement.

The New Yorker

The man barely made it into the room with everyone trying to shake his hand.

Independent

It is the latest setback by foreign investors trying to shake up corporate Japan.

The New York Times

Two interesting efforts are trying to shake the island into making itself over.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trying to shake" in your writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being shaken off, whether it's a feeling, an idea, or a physical object. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "trying to shake" repetitively within a single piece of writing if the subject matter is similar. Vary your language by using synonyms like "attempting to dislodge", "seeking to break free from", or "aiming to overcome" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trying to shake" primarily functions as a verbal phrase, indicating an action or attempt to dislodge, remove, or alter something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, often appearing before a direct object specifying what is being shaken.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "trying to shake" is a versatile and common expression used to describe an effort to dislodge, alter, or escape something. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and broad applicability, especially within news and media contexts. While it's suitable for neutral registers, writers should consider more precise language for highly formal settings. To avoid redundancy, synonyms like "attempting to dislodge", "seeking to break free from", or "aiming to overcome" can add variety. Remember to provide clear context for what is being shaken for maximum clarity. With 59 real-world examples analyzed, "trying to shake" proves to be a stable component of modern English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempting to dislodge

Focuses on the effort to physically or metaphorically remove something.

seeking to break free from

Emphasizes the desire to escape constraints or limitations.

aiming to overcome

Highlights the intention to conquer challenges or obstacles.

working to dispel

Suggests an effort to eliminate doubts or misconceptions.

endeavoring to shed

Implies a conscious effort to cast off something unwanted.

striving to alter

Conveys a determined effort to change a situation or perception.

making an effort to reject

Highlights a conscious choice to refuse or dismiss something.

looking to discard

Focuses on the intention to get rid of something no longer needed.

pushing to transform

Emphasizes an active and forceful attempt to create change.

moving to resolve

Suggests an intention to find a solution or end a problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "trying to shake" to describe an attempt to get rid of something, such as "He was "trying to shake" off the feeling of unease" or "The company is "trying to shake" its old reputation".

What are some alternatives to "trying to shake"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "attempting to dislodge", "seeking to break free from", or "aiming to overcome" instead of "trying to shake".

Is "trying to shake off" the same as "trying to shake"?

"Trying to shake off" often implies getting rid of something intangible, like a feeling or impression. "Trying to shake" can be used more broadly, including physical objects, as in ""trying to shake" the tree".

Can "trying to shake" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "trying to shake" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news and analytical contexts. It conveys a sense of active effort and intention. However, in some academic contexts, more precise or technical language might be preferred.