as we tried

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as we tried" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or effort made by a group in the past, often leading to a result or conclusion. Example: "As we tried to solve the problem, we discovered several underlying issues that needed to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Our arms flapped as we tried to maintain our balance.

The New York Times - Travel

-- was almost forgotten as we tried to get him out.

The New York Times - Magazine

Pitting father against son, as we tried to yank the iPad out of one another's hands.

The New York Times

As hard as we tried, The Face couldn't get an interview with Radiohead.

Independent

"Oh, we're not dancing," Ellie, remarked cheerily as we tried to supress our giggles.

Independent

"As much as we tried, we couldn't get the break we needed today.

Independent

He would scream his lungs out as we tried to persuade him to stay at home.

The Guardian - Sport

As soon as we tried this hybrid dip, we were completely hooked.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We were never forced to eat anything we didn't like, as long as we tried it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Amanda was quieter but game, holding Libbie's hand as we tried to retrace the children's steps.

The New York Times

Or as we tried instead to feel nothing at all, through drinking, cutting, men and sex.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as we tried" to clearly indicate an action undertaken with a specific purpose, even if the outcome wasn't necessarily successful. It provides context to subsequent events or results.

Common error

Avoid using "as we tried" when the attempt was clearly successful. Instead, opt for phrases like "after we succeeded" or "once we managed" to reflect the positive outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as we tried" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by providing context about when and how an action was performed. Ludwig shows the phrase connects events, setting the stage for understanding the following action or outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as we tried" is a versatile phrase used to introduce an action or attempt, often providing context for a subsequent event. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and very common across diverse sources, particularly in News & Media. While it maintains a neutral register, it's important to ensure clarity in usage, avoiding the phrase when success is implied. Consider alternatives like "in our attempts" or "while we were attempting" for nuanced meanings. It is important to note that the phrase sets the stage for the following action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while we were attempting

Highlights the ongoing nature of the attempt, focusing on the process.

in the process of trying

Focuses on the process itself, highlighting the steps taken during the attempt.

in our attempts

Focuses on the attempts made, emphasizing the action rather than the group.

while giving it our best shot

Adds emphasis on doing the best during an attempt.

during our efforts

Emphasizes the collective exertion and work put into achieving a goal.

when we endeavored

Uses a more formal verb to describe the attempt, suggesting a serious or significant effort.

in our striving

Conveys a sense of determination and struggle in the attempt.

as we sought

Suggests a quest or search, implying a specific objective being pursued.

as we aimed

Emphasizes having a specific goal or intention during the attempt.

when we gave it a shot

Uses a more informal expression, suggesting a casual or experimental attempt.

FAQs

How can I use "as we tried" in a sentence?

You can use "as we tried" to introduce an action undertaken, often followed by the result of that action. For example, "As we tried to fix the car, we realized the engine was beyond repair."

What are some alternatives to "as we tried"?

Alternatives include "in our attempts", "while we were attempting", or "when we endeavored", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "as we tried" formal or informal?

"As we tried" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The surrounding language and the specific situation will influence the overall tone.

What's the difference between "as we tried" and "after we tried"?

"As we tried" implies the action and its consequences happened concurrently or in close succession. "After we tried" emphasizes that the action was completed before the consequence occurred, indicating a chronological sequence.