on the third try

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the third try" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you might say, "I eventually solved the puzzle on the third try."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

I found one on the third try, Maison Bernard Ruee Gambetta 35), and bought a hefty almond croissant for 1.70 euros and a baguette for later at 1 euro.

The New York Times

She caught it on the third try, tied one end inside the cell, and Carroll climbed up to the window.

Vice

On the third try, I knocked down one pin.

The New Yorker

On the third try, she became pregnant.

The Guardian

I get it right on the third try.

The New York Times

His close friend Asimiyu picks up on the third try.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

No one gets it right on the first try.

Harvard Business Review

Taps usually register on the first try.

The New York Times - Tech

I passed on the first try.

The New York Times

On the fifth try, it did.

The New Yorker

I was lucky on the first try.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the third try" to clearly indicate success after two previous failures. It adds specificity and can create a sense of anticipation.

Common error

While "try" and "attempt" are often interchangeable, overusing "try" in formal writing can make your text sound less sophisticated. Consider substituting with "attempt" or "endeavor" in contexts requiring a more elevated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the third try" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when something was achieved. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

18%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the third try" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adverbial phrase that indicates success following two unsuccessful attempts. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across various contexts, from formal news reports to informal conversations. The phrase is particularly prevalent in "News & Media", "Academia", and "Encyclopedias". For alternatives, consider "after three attempts" or "on the third attempt", depending on the desired level of formality. Remember to use "on the third try" to clearly convey the specific number of attempts leading to a successful outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the third attempt

This alternative is semantically similar and replaces "try" with its formal synonym "attempt".

at the third attempt

Uses "at" instead of "on" before "the third attempt" but it still has the same meaning.

after three attempts

Replaces the preposition "on" with "after" and uses the more formal term "attempts".

with the third effort

Replaces "try" with "effort" to emphasize the exertion involved.

on the third occasion

Substitutes "try" with "occasion", making the phrase more formal.

it worked on the third try

Highlights the success of an action after multiple unsuccessful attempts.

the third time around

Uses a more colloquial expression to convey the same meaning.

succeeding on the third try

Focuses on the successful outcome while maintaining the "third try" aspect.

finally succeeding on the third attempt

Adds emphasis to the eventual success after initial failures.

after repeated attempts

Generalizes the number of attempts, implying more than one failure.

FAQs

How can I use "on the third try" in a sentence?

You can use "on the third try" to indicate that something was achieved after two unsuccessful attempts. For example, "He finally fixed the car "on the third try"".

What are some alternatives to "on the third try"?

Some alternatives include "after three attempts", "on the third attempt", or "the third time around".

Is it grammatically correct to say "at the third try" instead of "on the third try"?

While "on the third try" is the more common and idiomatic expression, "at the third attempt" is also grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning. The choice depends on the desired level of formality.

What's the difference between "on the second try" and "on the third try"?

"On the second try" indicates success after one failure, while "on the third try" signifies success after two failures. The phrases simply denote the number of attempts made before achieving the desired outcome.