he tried to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he tried to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone's efforts to adopt a certain behavior, attitude, or role. Example: "He tried to be more patient with his colleagues during meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He tried to be thankful.

Independent

He said he tried to be optimistic.

The New York Times

He tried to be a virtuous patient.

The New Yorker

He tried to be upbeat.

The New York Times - Sports

He tried to be scientific.

The New York Times - Magazine

He tried to be a good soldier.

The New Yorker

He tried to be rigorously unsentimental.

The Guardian - Books

He tried to be ashamed on her behalf".

The New Yorker

He tried to be a coach more than a policeman.

The New Yorker

He tried to be even more cheerfully insistent.

The New Yorker

From the start, he tried to be an influence.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he tried to be" to indicate a conscious effort to adopt a certain characteristic or role, but be mindful of the context to ensure it aligns with the intended meaning. For instance, use it when describing someone's efforts to be patient, understanding, or supportive.

Common error

Avoid using "he tried to be" when you want to express that someone successfully achieved a certain state. This phrase implies an attempt, not necessarily an accomplishment. If the person succeeded, use phrases like "he became" or "he was".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he tried to be" functions as a verbal phrase indicating an attempt or effort to embody a particular quality, role, or state. Ludwig AI highlights examples where someone is making a conscious effort to adopt a specific characteristic or role. The auxiliary verb 'tried' dictates the past tense, while 'to be' implies an intended state or condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he tried to be" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe someone's attempt to embody a certain characteristic or role. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across various reputable sources, primarily within the news and media domain. While the phrase itself carries a neutral register, its specific nuance depends on the context in which it's used. It's essential to avoid using "he tried to be" when intending to convey successful achievement, as it implies an attempt rather than a definitive outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he attempted to act as

Emphasizes the action of trying to perform a role.

he strived to become

Highlights the effort made towards achieving a specific identity.

he sought to embody

Focuses on the intention to represent or exemplify a certain quality.

he aimed to appear

Suggests an effort to create a specific impression.

he endeavored to be seen as

Highlights the desire for a specific perception.

he made an effort to seem

Indicates a conscious attempt to project a certain image.

he worked to project himself as

Suggests a deliberate and active construction of an image.

he was trying for

Implies that someone is currently searching for something.

he was figuring out

Suggests that someone is figuring out something.

he was working at

Someone puts in effort in his work to obtain it's results.

FAQs

How can I use "he tried to be" in a sentence?

Use "he tried to be" to describe someone's effort to embody a certain quality or role. For example, "He tried to be supportive, but his own problems overwhelmed him".

What are some alternatives to "he tried to be"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "he attempted to act as", "he strived to become", or "he sought to embody". The most suitable option depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "he tried being" instead of "he tried to be"?

While "he tried being" is grammatically correct, it has a different meaning. "He tried being" suggests experimenting with an action or state, while "he tried to be" suggests an effort to embody a characteristic or role.

What is the difference between "he tried to be" and "he pretended to be"?

"He tried to be" implies a genuine attempt, even if unsuccessful. "He pretended to be" suggests deception or a false appearance, without necessarily implying any real effort. You can explore alternatives such as "he attempted to act as".