I tried to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I tried to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that you attempted an action or behavior in a particular situation. For example: "I tried to finish my assignment on time, but I ran into some unexpected problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I tried to rationalize.

The New York Times

I tried to help.

The New Yorker

I tried to think.

The New Yorker

I tried to breathe.

The New York Times

I tried to move.

The New Yorker

"I tried to manage.

The New York Times

I tried to explain.

The New Yorker

I tried to relax.

The New York Times

"I tried to.

The New York Times

I tried to commit suicide".

The New York Times

I tried to sign up.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I tried to" to clearly express an attempt to perform an action, even if the outcome was unsuccessful. It's a straightforward and universally understood way to communicate effort.

Common error

Avoid using "I tried to" when you actually succeeded in doing something. Instead, use phrases that clearly indicate successful completion, such as "I managed to" or "I succeeded in".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I tried to" serves as a declarative statement indicating an attempt to perform a specific action. It sets the stage for describing the effort made, regardless of the outcome. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I tried to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate an attempt to perform an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and suitable for various contexts, primarily in news and media. While alternatives like "I attempted to" or "I made an effort to" exist, "I tried to" remains a clear and universally understood way to express effort. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects an attempt and not a completed success. Understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register will enhance your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I made an effort to

This alternative emphasizes the effort exerted in attempting something.

I attempted to

This alternative uses a more formal word for 'try'.

I aimed to

This suggests a specific goal or target in the attempt.

I sought to

This alternative is more formal and implies a determined effort.

I endeavored to

This is a highly formal and less common synonym for 'tried'.

I strived to

This implies a significant amount of effort and determination.

I set out to

This suggests a clear intention and beginning of an attempt.

I took a shot at

This is a more informal way of saying 'I tried'.

I gave it a shot

Similar to "I took a shot at", but even more informal.

I had a go at

British English equivalent of "I gave it a shot".

FAQs

How can I use "I tried to" in a sentence?

Use "I tried to" followed by a verb to indicate an attempt to perform an action. For example, "I tried to call you earlier, but the line was busy."

What are some alternatives to "I tried to"?

You can use alternatives such as "I attempted to", "I made an effort to", or "I aimed to" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I tried and" instead of "I tried to"?

While "I tried and" might be used informally in some contexts, "I tried to" is the grammatically correct and more widely accepted form for expressing an attempt.

What's the difference between "I tried to" and "I wanted to"?

"I tried to" indicates that you made an attempt to do something, regardless of the outcome. "I wanted to" simply expresses a desire or intention, without necessarily implying any action was taken. For example, "I tried to bake a cake" means you actually attempted it, while "I wanted to bake a cake" only means you had the desire to do so.