trying to think

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trying to think" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing the act of attempting to formulate thoughts or ideas, often in a moment of contemplation or confusion. Example: "I'm sitting here, trying to think of a solution to this problem, but nothing seems to come to mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I've been trying to think".

The New Yorker

You're trying to think modern.

The New Yorker

"I'm trying to think about winning".

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm just trying to think.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Um, I'm trying to think.

The New Yorker

"I'm trying to think when we didn't".

The New York Times

We're just trying to think about it.

The New York Times

I'm trying to think of an example.

The New Yorker

I'm trying to think of his name".

The New York Times

I'm trying to think of another example.

The Guardian - Books

"Well, I'm trying to think of something.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trying to think" to convey a sense of active mental effort, especially when facing a challenge or uncertainty. It's suitable for situations where the outcome of your thinking process is not yet clear.

Common error

Avoid overuse in formal writing. While acceptable, repeatedly using "trying to think" can sound less sophisticated. Instead, use more precise verbs like "analyzing", "evaluating", or "considering" to add clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trying to think" functions as a present participle phrase, often used to describe an ongoing action or state of mind. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and common in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trying to think" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that denotes an active mental effort. As per Ludwig AI, it is widely employed across various sources, predominantly in news and media. While versatile, it's best practice to avoid overuse in formal contexts, opting for more precise verbs when possible. Consider alternatives like "attempting to recall" or "pondering" for enhanced clarity and sophistication in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempting to recall

Shifts the focus to retrieving information from memory, rather than the general act of thinking.

endeavoring to remember

Emphasizes the effort involved in bringing something to mind.

pondering

Implies a deeper, more reflective consideration of a topic.

contemplating

Suggests a more prolonged and thoughtful examination.

seeking to determine

Focuses on reaching a conclusion or decision through thought.

struggling to conceive

Highlights difficulty in forming an idea or understanding something.

wrestling with an idea

Implies a difficult mental effort to understand or resolve a concept.

racking my brain

Indicates intense effort to remember or think of something.

cudgeling one's brains

A more forceful and somewhat archaic version of "racking my brain".

giving it some thought

Suggests a more casual and less intense approach to thinking about something.

FAQs

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

You can use "trying to think" to describe the action of attempting to recall something, solve a problem, or make a decision. For example, "I'm sitting here, "trying to think" of a solution to this problem".

What are some alternatives to "trying to think"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "attempting to recall", "endeavoring to remember", or "pondering".

Is "trying to think" formal or informal?

"Trying to think" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both informal and semi-formal contexts. However, it might be too casual for highly formal or academic writing where more precise language is preferred.

When should I avoid using "trying to think"?

Avoid using "trying to think" when you want to convey a sense of certainty or expertise. Instead, use phrases that indicate confidence, such as "I believe", "I'm certain", or "I've concluded".