trying to shake off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trying to shake off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of attempting to rid oneself of something unwanted, such as a feeling, habit, or memory. Example: "After a long week, she was trying to shake off the stress before the weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sports

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

I walked around the campus, trying to shake off the shuddery feelings.

Independent

The rich world is still trying to shake off the effects of the 2008 financial crisis.

The Economist

Prescott says he is trying to shake off that reputation for being aloof.

The Guardian - Business

Karim says the lorry started swerving abruptly, as if trying to shake off the uninvited passengers.

The Guardian

This was a party trying to shake off the harsh aura of Gingrichism.

The New York Times - Magazine

GM is still trying to shake off the 'Government Motors' moniker".

The Guardian - Business

Toyota's luxury brand Lexus is trying to shake off its stodgy image.

The Guardian - Business

"C'mon, body, get going," he said, trying to shake off the morning sluggishness.

The New York Times - Sports

She stood up, trying to shake off the influence of the Bloody Mary.

The New Yorker

America's Sin City is trying to shake off its theme-park image, building stylish hotels and top-notch restaurants.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a brand's image, consider using "trying to shake off" to illustrate attempts to modernize or rebrand. For example: "The company is trying to shake off its old-fashioned image by launching a new line of products".

Common error

While versatile, "trying to shake off" can sound informal in highly formal writing. In academic papers or business reports, consider more precise and formal alternatives like "attempting to overcome", "seeking to mitigate", or "working to eliminate" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trying to shake off" functions as a verbal phrase indicating an attempt to eliminate or escape something unwanted. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts, from personal feelings to broader economic trends. It implies an active effort to break free from a negative influence or state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Sports

15%

Less common in

Lifestyle

10%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trying to shake off" is a versatile phrase used to describe the action of attempting to eliminate or escape something unwanted. As Ludwig's AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently employed across various contexts, particularly in news and media, but also in formal business and sports writing. It's generally neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal settings, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in strictly academic or professional contexts. The phrase implies an active effort to break free from a negative influence or state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

struggling to free oneself from

Focuses on the difficulty of escaping something that is holding one back. It emphasizes the internal conflict.

trying to leave behind

Emphasizes the act of moving on from something, often a past experience or a negative situation. It's less about active rejection.

making an effort to dismiss

Highlights the intent to disregard or reject something, often a thought or feeling. It's more about mental detachment.

attempting to dispel

Focuses on actively eliminating something, often negative, such as doubts or fears. It's more formal.

seeking to distance oneself from

Suggests an attempt to create emotional or physical separation from something. It emphasizes the need for space.

working to shed

Highlights the process of getting rid of something gradually, like a layer or skin. It implies a transformation.

seeking to overcome

Emphasizes the effort to conquer a challenge or difficulty. It suggests a more proactive approach.

striving to discard

Implies a conscious effort to reject or abandon something considered undesirable or useless. It's more decisive.

aiming to relinquish

Suggests voluntarily giving up something, often a position or a claim. It's more formal and deliberate.

endeavoring to banish

Emphasizes the attempt to forcefully remove something, often from one's thoughts or environment. It's more aggressive.

FAQs

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

You can use "trying to shake off" to describe an attempt to get rid of something unwanted. For example, "After the loss, the team was "trying to shake off" the disappointment".

What are some alternatives to "trying to shake off"?

Alternatives include "attempting to dispel", "seeking to overcome", or "working to shed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "trying to shake off"?

It's appropriate to use "trying to shake off" in contexts where someone is actively attempting to rid themselves of something negative, such as a feeling, a reputation, or a problem. It is acceptable in news articles, blog posts, and casual conversation.

Is "trying to shake off" formal or informal?

The phrase "trying to shake off" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though in very formal academic or business writing, you might consider more precise alternatives like "attempting to overcome".