Trying vs You've been angling to run

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Trying

Top 2,000 (common)

You've been angling to run

InformalTop 5,000 (fairly common)
Most formal: TryingMost common: Trying
 TryingYou've been angling to run
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //ˈtraɪ.ɪŋ//🇺🇸 //ˈtraɪ.ɪŋ//🇬🇧 //jʊv bɪn ˈæŋɡlɪŋ tə rʌn//🇺🇸 //juv bɪn ˈæŋɡlɪŋ tə rʌn//
MeaningMaking an effort to do something.You've been trying to get something done.
ExampleShe is trying to finish her homework before dinner.You've been angling to run the new project at work.
RegisterNeutralInformal
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Collocationstrying hard, trying times, trying situation, trying new things, trying your luckangling to win, angling for a position, angling to influence, angling for support, angling for attention
Antonymsgiving up, quitting-
Common mistakesConfused with 'try' and 'attempt' - 'trying' emphasizes effort., Using 'trying' as an adjective incorrectly without context., Forgetting to use 'to' after 'trying' when followed by another verb.Misinterpreting 'angling' as fishing only, ignoring its metaphorical use., Confusing 'run' with other meanings, like 'manage'., Using in formal contexts where a direct approach is required.
Usage notesUse 'trying' when describing efforts; it can be emotional or physical. More common in informal settings when discussing challenges.This phrase is informal and typically used in conversational English. It implies a subtle effort to influence or achieve something. It's not usually appropriate for formal writing.

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Trying
You've been angling to run

Frequently asked questions: Trying vs You've been angling to run

What's the difference between Trying and You've been angling to run?

Trying: Making an effort to do something. You've been angling to run: You've been trying to get something done.

Which is more formal: Trying and You've been angling to run?

Trying is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Trying and You've been angling to run?

Trying is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Trying: She is trying to finish her homework before dinner. You've been angling to run: You've been angling to run the new project at work.

Can I use Trying and You've been angling to run interchangeably?

Not always. Trying and You've been angling to run are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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