stopped trying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stopped trying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone has ceased making an effort or attempting to achieve something. Example: "After several failed attempts to fix the car, he finally stopped trying and called a mechanic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"I've stopped trying".

The New York Times

Many have stopped trying.

The New York Times

The Nets stopped trying.

The New York Times - Sports

He stopped trying to speak.

The New Yorker

Mehretu stopped trying to paint.

The New Yorker

"He never stopped trying.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Stop trying.

The Economist

He never stops trying.

The New York Times - Sports

Never stops trying.

The New York Times

Stop trying to be Kartel.

The New York Times - Arts

But they never stop trying.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stopped trying", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject was trying to achieve and why they stopped. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "stopped trying" when the pause is temporary. Use phrases like "paused efforts" or "took a break from trying" to indicate a temporary cessation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stopped trying" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the cessation of an action. It is used to describe a state where someone has ceased making an effort toward a particular goal or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stopped trying" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate the cessation of effort or attempts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English. It is versatile, appearing frequently in News & Media and Academic contexts. While alternatives like "gave up" and "ceased attempting" exist, "stopped trying" maintains a neutral tone suitable for various situations. Remember to provide clear context when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity. Overall, "stopped trying" is a reliable and widely accepted way to convey the abandonment of an effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gave up

Implies a complete cessation of effort, often due to discouragement.

stopped making an effort

Focuses on the cessation of active effort towards a goal.

ceased attempting

A more formal way of saying someone stopped trying.

quit attempting

Similar to 'gave up', but with a connotation of formally ending an attempt.

relinquished the effort

Suggests a more deliberate and considered abandonment of effort.

abandoned the attempt

Emphasizes the complete forsaking of an attempt.

no longer attempted

A direct statement that attempts have stopped.

halted efforts

Implies a more formal or organized cessation of trying.

desisted from trying

A more literary or archaic way to express stopping an attempt.

backed off from attempting

Suggests a withdrawal or retreat from an attempt.

FAQs

What does "stopped trying" mean?

The phrase "stopped trying" means to cease making an effort or attempt to do something, often due to discouragement, lack of success, or a change in priorities.

What can I say instead of "stopped trying"?

You can use alternatives like "gave up", "ceased attempting", or "quit attempting" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "stopped trying" or "gave up"?

Both "stopped trying" and "gave up" are correct, but "gave up" often implies a stronger sense of defeat or discouragement, while "stopped trying" can be more neutral.

How can I use "stopped trying" in a sentence?

You can use "stopped trying" in a sentence like: "After several failed attempts, he finally stopped trying to fix the car." or "She stopped trying to please everyone and focused on her own happiness."