I was attempting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'I was attempting' is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is often used to indicate an action that was ongoing or in progress in the past. Example: I was attempting to finish my paper before the deadline, but my computer crashed and I lost all my work.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I was attempting to kill him.

The New York Times

What I was attempting to do was exactly the opposite.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I was attempting to look suave and couldn't even speak.

The New York Times

I was attempting to discover if the story was true.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In retrospect, it's unmistakable that I was attempting to prove to myself that I existed.

The New York Times - Books

One of the reasons was that I was attempting to revive an old TierneyLab tradition.

The New York Times

I was attempting to look fetching in a white trouser suit that was quickly becoming speckled.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I might seem as though I was attempting to influence the outcome".

The New York Times

As soon as I was discharged I was attempting suicide again.

The Guardian

I was attempting to corroborate the Kreskin-Randi anecdote when the phone rang.

The New York Times - Books

Speaking to The Daily Post, Stocks said: "I was attempting to reach my yacht to collect some tools.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was attempting" when you want to convey not just the action you were performing, but also the effort and possibly the lack of complete success. It's ideal for describing ongoing actions or situations where the outcome was uncertain.

Common error

Avoid using "I was attempting" when you want to express a completed action or success. If you successfully completed the action, use "I did" or "I achieved" instead. For example, don't say "I was attempting to solve the problem, and I found the solution." Instead, say "I solved the problem."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was attempting" functions as part of a verb phrase indicating an action that was in progress in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes an ongoing effort, often implying that the action may not have been fully completed or successful. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was attempting" is a versatile phrase used to describe actions in progress, often implying effort and potential challenges. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its neutral tone and broad applicability, showcased in the provided examples from news articles, scientific publications, and business documents, make it suitable for diverse contexts. While alternatives like "I tried to" or "I aimed to" exist, "I was attempting" uniquely conveys a sense of ongoing effort and uncertain outcome. Use it when you want to emphasize not just the action, but also the process and any potential difficulties encountered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I tried to

A more direct and simpler alternative, suggesting an effort made without necessarily implying a high degree of difficulty or complexity.

I aimed to

Implies a specific goal or intention behind the effort, focusing on the desired outcome.

I set out to

Highlights the beginning or initiation of an action with a specific purpose.

I sought to

A more formal alternative, suggesting a deliberate and often challenging pursuit.

I strived to

Emphasizes the effort and struggle involved in pursuing a goal.

I endeavored to

A highly formal alternative, emphasizing the effort and determination involved in the action.

I undertook to

Suggests a formal agreement or commitment to perform a task.

I aspired to

Indicates a desire or ambition to achieve something, often something of high value.

I had the intention of

Focuses on the plan or purpose behind the action, rather than the effort itself.

My goal was to

Emphasizes the desired result or outcome that the person was working towards.

FAQs

How can I use "I was attempting" in a sentence?

Use "I was attempting" to describe an action you were in the process of performing, especially when the outcome was uncertain or you encountered difficulties. For example, "I was attempting to fix the car, but I didn't have the right tools."

What's a more formal way to say "I was attempting"?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "I sought to" or "I endeavored to", which emphasize a deliberate and often challenging effort.

Is "I was attempting" the same as "I tried to"?

While similar, "I was attempting" often implies a more sustained or complex effort than "I tried to". "I tried to" can suggest a single, perhaps brief, effort, while "I was attempting" suggests an ongoing process.

What can I say instead of "I was attempting" to emphasize my goal?

If you want to highlight your objective, you can use phrases such as "I aimed to" or "my goal was to", which place greater emphasis on the intended outcome.