when you try

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when you try" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a condition or situation that occurs during an attempt to do something. Example: "When you try to solve the puzzle, make sure to think outside the box."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What happens when you try to stop?

The New Yorker

"The trouble comes when you try to make them corporeal.

The New York Times

When you try to speak to his parents, he interrupts.

The New Yorker

"Clearly when you try humor, not everybody gets it".

The New York Times

So what happens when you try to ditch technological devices?

The Guardian - Opinion

But what happens when you try to translate anything substantial?

The Guardian - Business

"When you try to call the numbers, they are just disconnected".

The New York Times

When you try to arrange matters, Browning's poem seems to say, they can arrange you.

Independent

And everyone enjoys that a lot, by the way, when you try to destroy someone.

The New Yorker

"When you try to unify those devices, you end up with weird devices," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

But often, when you try to follow the directions, you become more confused and lost.

International Journal of Human-Computer Studies

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when you try" to introduce a condition or situation that arises during an attempt to do something. It's versatile for giving instructions, explaining consequences, or making general observations about effort and outcomes.

Common error

While "when you try" is versatile, avoid using it repeatedly in long, complex sentences. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less sophisticated. Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives like "as you attempt" or restructuring the sentence entirely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when you try" functions as a subordinating conjunction, introducing a dependent clause that expresses a condition or circumstance. As Ludwig AI indicates, it sets the stage for explaining what happens or what one should do in a particular situation. It connects an action (trying) with its potential outcome or related condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when you try" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that introduces a conditional clause, explaining what occurs during an attempt. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's suitable for various contexts, ranging from news articles and wikis to scientific publications. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives exist for specialized writing. The phrase is used to provide guidance, explain consequences, or offer general observations. Though it's a straightforward construction, overuse in complex sentences should be avoided for stylistic reasons. Given its frequent appearance across diverse sources, "when you try" is a reliable and effective choice in most writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as you attempt

Similar to the original, but uses 'attempt' instead of 'try'.

as you make an effort

Replaces 'try' with the more descriptive 'make an effort'.

while attempting

Focuses on the simultaneous nature of the attempt and its consequences.

upon attempting

Formal alternative, emphasizing the moment of starting an action.

on trying

A more concise way to express the condition.

in the process of trying

Highlights the ongoing nature of the attempt.

if you endeavor

A more formal and emphatic version using 'endeavor'.

the moment you try

Emphasizes the immediacy of the action following the attempt.

should you attempt

Inverts the sentence structure for emphasis or formality.

once you have tried

Shifts the focus to the completion of the attempt.

FAQs

How can I use "when you try" in a sentence?

You can use "when you try" to introduce a condition or situation during an attempt. For example, "When you try to solve the puzzle, think creatively" or "This is what happens when you try to please everyone".

What can I say instead of "when you try"?

You can use alternatives like "as you attempt", "upon attempting", or "in the process of trying" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to include a result after "when you try"?

Typically, "when you try" sets up a condition, so it's best to include a corresponding result or consequence. However, in some contexts, the result might be implied or understood.

How formal is the phrase "when you try"?

The phrase "when you try" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in a variety of contexts, from informal conversations to news articles. For more formal writing, you could consider alternatives like "should you attempt".