tried for

USAGE SUMMARY

'tried for' is correct and usable in written English.
It usually means to attempt to achieve something, and it is often used in a legal context, for example: He was tried for murder.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Haggler tried for days.

The New York Times

I tried for 10 years".

The New York Times - Arts

Twenty people were tried for his murder.

Independent

She was tried for treason and beheaded.

The New Yorker

I tried for clarity," he added.

The New York Times

"He tried for years.

The New Yorker

I tried for ages.

The Guardian - Film

They tried for a while.

The Guardian

I tried for five years.

The Guardian - Opinion

Webster tried for a comeback.

The New York Times - Sports

James tried for a joke.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tried for" in legal contexts, ensure clarity about the specific crime or charge. For example, "He was tried for fraud" is more informative than "He was tried for something".

Common error

Avoid using "tried for" when a simpler verb like "tried" or "attempted" is more appropriate in non-legal situations. For example, instead of "I tried for the cake recipe", use "I tried the cake recipe".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tried for" functions as a verb phrase, often indicating that someone underwent a legal trial or attempted to achieve a specific objective. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in both legal and aspirational contexts, confirming its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

22%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tried for" is a versatile verb phrase with two primary meanings: undergoing a legal trial and attempting to achieve a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Analysis of Ludwig's examples indicates the expression is most common in News & Media and Science domains. When using "tried for", ensure that the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a legal proceeding or an attempt to obtain something. Alternatives like "was on trial for" or "attempted to obtain" can provide greater precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempted to obtain

Emphasizes the act of making an effort to get something.

sought to achieve

Highlights the aim or goal one was pursuing.

endeavored to secure

Suggests a more formal and dedicated effort to gain something.

aimed to acquire

Focuses on the intention and direction of the effort.

strove to attain

Implies a persistent and determined effort to reach a goal.

faced charges of

Specifically refers to being formally accused in a legal setting.

was on trial for

Directly indicates the state of undergoing a legal trial.

stood accused of

Highlights the accusation and the individual's position relative to it.

had a go at

A more informal way of saying someone attempted something.

gave it a shot

An informal expression for attempting something, often implying a chance of success.

FAQs

How to use "tried for" in a sentence?

You can use "tried for" to indicate that someone was subjected to a legal trial, as in "He was tried for theft". It can also mean someone attempted to achieve something, such as "I "tried for years" to get the job".

What can I say instead of "tried for" when referring to a legal trial?

Alternatives include "was on trial for", "faced charges of", or "stood accused of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "tried for" and "tried to"?

"Tried for" typically implies a legal trial or attempting to obtain something, while "tried to" indicates an attempt to perform an action. For example, "He was tried for murder" versus "He "tried to escape"".

Is it correct to say "attempted for" instead of "tried for"?

While "attempted" and "tried" are similar, "attempted for" is not a standard or common phrasing. It is better to use "attempted to" instead, as in "He attempted to escape". "Tried for" maintains a distinct meaning, often related to legal proceedings or striving toward a goal.