first I tried

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first I tried" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the initial attempt at something before describing subsequent actions or outcomes. Example: "First I tried to solve the problem on my own, but then I asked for help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"First, I tried all roses.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"First I tried to deny it," Mr. Partilla said.

The New York Times

First I tried not carrying cigarettes, bumming them from friends.

The New York Times

At first I tried to decline the necklace.

The New York Times

At first, I tried to find the "real Dave".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

At first, I tried to outrun the dread.

The Guardian - Opinion

First I tried online dating, where I met Sporty 'N Spiritual.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

First, I try to lie on the desk.

The New York Times

"What I do is, first, I try to feel the music.

The New Yorker

FAMILY FIRST I try to make family a priority on Sundays.

The New York Times

"I did have misgivings at first – I try not to collaborate with brands very often.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "first I tried", clearly indicate the subsequent actions or outcomes to provide a complete picture of the situation. For example, "First I tried to fix it myself, but then I called a professional."

Common error

Avoid stating "first I tried" without explaining what happened next. The phrase implies a sequence of events, so ensure you continue the narrative to avoid leaving the reader hanging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first I tried" functions as a sequential marker, introducing an initial action within a narrative or explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it sets the stage for describing subsequent attempts or outcomes. It indicates the commencement of an effort or process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

5%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first I tried" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to introduce an initial attempt or action, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a sequential marker, typically followed by a description of subsequent steps or outcomes. Its usage spans various contexts, predominantly in news and media, science, and formal business settings. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "initially, I attempted" or "at first I made an effort". Ensure you complete the sequence of events when using this phrase to provide a clear and coherent narrative. The frequency is high due to the nature of action and narration in many contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initially, I attempted

Replaces "first" with "initially" and "tried" with the more formal "attempted".

at first, I made an effort

Emphasizes the effort made in the initial attempt.

to begin with, I gave it a shot

Uses a more colloquial expression "gave it a shot" to mean tried.

as a first step, I endeavored

Formal and emphasizes the beginning of a process.

my initial approach was to

Focuses on the approach taken rather than the act of trying.

in the beginning, I experimented with

Suggests a trial-and-error process.

first off, I took a stab at

Informal and suggests a less serious attempt.

initially, I gave consideration to

Focuses on considering something as a first step.

at the outset, I ventured to

Formal and implies a risk or uncertainty in the initial attempt.

to start, I played around with

Suggests a casual and exploratory approach.

FAQs

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

Use "first I tried" to introduce an initial attempt or action, followed by subsequent steps or results. For instance, "First I tried to open the jar, but it was too tight."

What is a more formal way to say "first I tried"?

More formal alternatives include "initially, I attempted" or "at first, I endeavored". These phrases convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "first I tried" and "at first I tried"?

While both phrases are similar, "at first I tried" can sometimes imply a sense of surprise or unexpected outcome compared to "first I tried", which is a more straightforward statement of sequence.

Can I use "first I tried" in academic writing?

Yes, "first I tried" is acceptable in academic writing, especially when describing a research process or experiment. However, consider using more formal alternatives like "initially, I attempted" for a more polished tone.