trying when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trying when" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be used in contexts where you are discussing attempts or efforts that are contingent upon a specific time or condition, but it requires additional context to be meaningful. Example: "I find it challenging, trying when the circumstances are not favorable."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

If you didn't use it, we hope you'll consider trying when the feature resumes in September.

The New York Times

She also keeps tabs on the park's wildlife, trying, when it is possible, to fight nature with nature.

The New York Times

But he did continue trying, when perhaps the smarter move would have been to disappear for a longer stretch.

The New York Times - Sports

It is always trying when a pet or a friend ruins a beautiful upholstered piece with an unsightly stain.

The New York Times

A girl who was excelling early in the year stopped trying when her estranged, emotionally disturbed parents resumed contact and began fighting.

The New Yorker

Llewellyn pursued ill-judged career moves, trying, when not on Mustique, to become a pop singer or a nightclub frontman in Battersea.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Try when they thaw.

The New York Times

"I tried when I lived in New York.

The New York Times

Give it a try when you're feeling experimental.

The New York Times

Try, when anxious, to summon up a goofy giggle.

The New Yorker

Now he is going to be tried when he is sick.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing attempts made in specific situations, consider replacing "trying when" with clearer alternatives like "attempting when" or "making an effort when" for improved clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid using "trying when" without clearly defining the temporal relationship. Ensure the sentence explicitly states the context or condition under which the attempt is being made to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trying when" functions as a conjunction phrase, linking an action (trying) with a specific time or condition. However, as Ludwig AI points out, this construction is often grammatically questionable and lacks clarity. Examples in Ludwig show varied usage across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trying when" attempts to connect the act of trying with a specific time or condition. However, Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically questionable and can lack clarity. While "trying when" appears across various sources, primarily in News & Media, its usage isn't consistently aligned with standard English. For improved clarity and grammatical correctness, consider using alternatives such as "attempting when" or "making an effort when". When clarity is key, avoid "trying when" and opt for more precise language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempting when

Focuses on the act of attempting something under certain conditions, similar to "trying when" but more formal.

trying if

Emphasizes a conditional attempt based on a specific condition being met.

attempting provided that

Highlights a more formal and conditional attempt based on a specific condition being satisfied.

giving it a shot when

Uses a more casual expression for attempting something when a certain condition is met.

making an effort when

Highlights the effort made during a specific time or situation.

having a go when

Indicates a casual attempt or try in certain situations.

endeavoring when

Implies a more serious and determined attempt under certain circumstances.

seeking when

Indicates actively searching or trying something under specific conditions.

aiming when

Focuses on aiming or targeting something at a certain time or under specific circumstances.

taking a stab at it when

Suggests an informal and experimental attempt when a situation arises.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "trying when" to sound more natural?

Consider alternatives like "attempting when", "trying if", or "making an effort when". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "trying when" grammatically correct?

The phrase "trying when" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use phrases like "attempting when" or rephrase the sentence for clarity.

What's the difference between "trying when" and "trying if"?

"Trying when" implies an attempt happening at a specific time, while "trying if" suggests an attempt that is conditional on something happening.

Can you give me an example of how to correct a sentence using "trying when"?

Instead of saying "I'm trying when I have time", you can say "I'm trying if I have time" or "I attempt it when I have time" for better clarity.