I was trying to get

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was trying to get" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing an effort or attempt to achieve something in the past. Example: "I was trying to get my point across during the meeting, but I felt like no one was listening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I was trying to get my refund.

The New York Times

"I was trying to get to yes.

The Washington Post

I was trying to get a timeout.

The New York Times - Sports

I was trying to get through pharmaceutically".

The New Yorker

I was trying to get up myself".

The New York Times - Sports

I was trying to get control.

The New York Times

I was trying to get a win".

The New York Times - Sports

That's where I was trying to get.

The New York Times - Sports

I was trying to get to Tripoli".

The Guardian

"I was trying to get compliance, sir," Officer London said.

The New York Times

"I was trying to get Plax a catch," Ryan said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "get" with a more precise verb (e.g., "obtain", "acquire", "achieve") to convey a more nuanced meaning.

Common error

Don't use "I was trying to get" without a clear object or purpose. Vague usage can confuse the reader. Instead of saying "I was trying to get", specify what you were trying to get (e.g., "I was trying to get a refund").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was trying to get" functions as a verbal phrase expressing a past attempt or effort to achieve something. It typically introduces a description of the specific goal or objective that the speaker was pursuing. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various scenarios, such as obtaining a refund or getting a timeout.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was trying to get" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a past effort or attempt to achieve a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, and academia. While versatile, consider using more precise verbs like "obtain" or "acquire" in formal settings. Avoid vagueness by clearly specifying the object of your attempt. Alternatives such as "I attempted to obtain" or "I was aiming to acquire" can provide a more nuanced meaning, depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I attempted to obtain

Replaces "trying" with "attempted" and "get" with "obtain", suggesting a more formal and deliberate effort.

I was aiming to acquire

Substitutes "trying" with "aiming" and "get" with "acquire", implying a directed effort towards a specific goal.

I sought to achieve

Replaces "was trying" with "sought" and "get" with "achieve", conveying a more formal and determined attempt.

I was working towards securing

Uses "working towards" instead of "trying" and "securing" in place of "get", suggesting a sustained effort with a focus on making something secure.

My goal was to obtain

Shifts the focus to the goal itself, using "goal was" instead of "I was trying" and "obtain" instead of "get".

I endeavored to gain

Replaces "trying" with "endeavored" and "get" with "gain", indicating a more formal and often challenging attempt.

I was in the process of acquiring

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the effort using "in the process of" instead of "trying" and "acquiring" for "get".

I set out to procure

Uses "set out" to describe the initiation of the effort and "procure" instead of "get", indicating a formal or official acquisition.

My intention was to secure

Focuses on the intention behind the action, using "intention was" instead of "I was trying" and "secure" instead of "get".

I strived to attain

Replaces "trying" with "strived" and "get" with "attain", conveying a strong and persistent effort to reach a goal.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I was trying to get"?

You can use alternatives like "I attempted to obtain", "I was aiming to acquire", or "I sought to achieve" depending on the context.

How do I use "I was trying to get" in a sentence?

Use "I was trying to get" to describe an effort you made in the past to obtain or achieve something. For example, "I was trying to get a better understanding of the topic" or "I was trying to get tickets to the concert".

Is "I was trying to get" formal or informal?

"I was trying to get" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for more formal writing, consider using alternatives such as "I attempted to obtain" or "I endeavored to gain".

What's the difference between "I was trying to get" and "I was hoping to get"?

"I was trying to get" implies an active attempt or effort, while "I was hoping to get" suggests a desire or wish without necessarily implying active effort. If you made an active effort, use "I was trying to get"; if you simply wished for something, use "I was hoping to get".