about having tried

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about having tried" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the experience or action of attempting something in the past, often in a reflective or explanatory context. Example: "I have mixed feelings about having tried that new diet; it was challenging but also enlightening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Nevertheless, I feel good about having tried".

The New York Times

But I have no concerns about having tried as hard as I know how".

The New York Times

This grim joke recalls Cheever, whose parents also used to kid about having tried to abort him.

The Guardian - Books

That student raved about having tried an eggplant parmesan pancake in a dining hall, and Gladwell wasn't having it. .

Huffington Post

In your article, you talk about having tried and tried to conquer your distaste for pickles -- which I have to say, I really truly appreciate.

Huffington Post

Even while having no interest in trying a Cronut, should someone bring them to your office, you will brag to all of your friends about having tried one.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

I feel much more intentional about my life having tried all of these things.

Forbes

But he has probably not silenced many doubts about the wisdom of having tried it.

The New York Times

WHEN news of the catastrophe broke, it was because scientists in free, neighbouring countries had detected what the Communist authorities knew about, but had tried to conceal.

The Economist

Much recent discussion about Gould has tried to place him not only in the pantheon of classical musicians, but also on the autism spectrum.

The New York Times

Chasing ever-lower numbers has often created the wrong kind of positive news for the sport, which is why track officials, concerned about doping, have tried to emphasize duels over records in recent years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "about having tried", ensure the context clearly indicates what was attempted and the subsequent reflection on that attempt. This emphasizes both the action and the thought process.

Common error

Avoid using "about having tried" when simply stating an action without the reflective aspect. Instead of "I'm going about having tried to fix it", which is awkward, simply say "I'm going to try to fix it". The phrase works best when there's contemplation or evaluation involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about having tried" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a reflection or commentary on a past attempt or experience. It's used to express feelings, evaluations, or insights gained from the act of trying something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "about having tried" is a prepositional phrase used to introduce a reflection on a past attempt. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Although the phrase appears primarily in news and scientific contexts, it maintains a generally neutral register suitable for various forms of communication. When writing, ensure the phrase introduces a true reflection or evaluation to effectively leverage its meaning. Alternatives such as "regarding my attempts" or "concerning my efforts" offer options for differing contexts. While not exceedingly common, mastering its usage enhances clarity and thoughtfulness in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding my attempts

Focuses on the attempts themselves rather than the experience of trying.

concerning my efforts

Highlights the exertion and dedication put into the attempt.

reflecting on my endeavor

Emphasizes a thoughtful consideration of the undertaking.

considering my previous attempts

Highlights that there were previous attempts

in retrospect of my trials

Introduces an element of hindsight and learning from difficulties.

looking back on my experiences

Broadens the scope to include all related experiences, not just the act of trying.

assessing my prior actions

Highlights a methodical and analytical review of what was done.

evaluating my past pursuits

Focuses on the evaluation of goals that were chased in the past.

with regard to having given it a shot

Introduces a casual, conversational tone to the reflection.

thinking about when I gave it a try

This highlights thinking about that specific moment of trying

FAQs

How can I use "about having tried" in a sentence?

You can use "about having tried" to express reflection or evaluation of a past attempt. For instance, "I have mixed feelings about having tried that new diet" indicates contemplation of the experience.

What's a simple alternative to "about having tried"?

A simpler alternative is to use phrases like "regarding my attempts" or "concerning my efforts" to focus specifically on the actions taken.

Is it correct to use "about having tried" in formal writing?

Yes, "about having tried" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when conveying thoughtful consideration of past actions. However, ensure the context aligns with this reflective tone. More formal alternatives could also be considered.

What's the difference between "regarding my attempts" and "about having tried"?

"Regarding my attempts" focuses more on the actions themselves, while "about having tried" encompasses the broader experience, including the feelings and lessons learned from the attempt.