tried hard

USAGE SUMMARY

"tried hard" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone's efforts or actions in attempting to do something. Here are some examples: - She tried hard to understand the complex math problem, but couldn't quite grasp it. - Despite the difficult circumstances, the team tried hard to win the championship. - He tried hard to suppress his laughter during the somber funeral service. - We have tried hard to improve our company's sustainability practices over the past year. - The students tried hard to memorize all the vocabulary words for the exam.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He tried hard.

The New York Times

He tried hard enough.

The Economist

"I really, really tried hard.

Independent

"I tried hard, B. I tried hard.

The New York Times

But they tried hard!" Nanny: "They tried hard?" Lad: "Yeah.

The New York Times

I just tried hard".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(It tried hard, though.

The New Yorker

His predecessor tried hard, but failed dismally.

The Economist

Neither man tried hard to mend fences.

The New York Times - Books

Hoover tried hard to stabilize the economy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"My mother tried hard," Berry says.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tried hard", ensure the context clearly indicates what the effort was directed towards. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While "tried hard" is common, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "made an effort", "did one's best", or "strove to succeed" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tried hard" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of exerting significant effort. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use across diverse contexts to express dedication and exertion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tried hard" is a very common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to express a considerable effort made towards achieving a goal. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is mainly found in news and media sources, denoting a neutral register suitable for broad audiences. While synonyms like "made an effort" or "gave it one's all" can add variety, "tried hard" remains a clear and effective way to communicate dedication. Remember to provide clear context and avoid overuse for optimal impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gave it one's all

Indicates a complete and total effort was made.

did one's best

Focuses on achieving a personal standard of excellence.

put in the effort

Emphasizes the investment of energy and work into a task.

made an effort

Focuses on the action of attempting something, rather than the intensity of the attempt.

strove to succeed

Highlights the ambition and determination in the attempt.

poured energy into

Emphasizes the amount of vitality and enthusiasm invested.

applied oneself diligently

Emphasizes consistency and thoroughness in the effort.

exerted oneself

Implies a significant amount of energy was expended.

worked assiduously

Highlights the consistent and dedicated nature of the work.

endeavored earnestly

Suggests a sincere and heartfelt attempt.

FAQs

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

You can use "tried hard" to describe someone's effort in attempting to achieve a goal. For example, "She "tried hard" to finish the project on time", or "He "tried hard" to improve his skills".

What are some alternatives to "tried hard"?

Some alternatives include "made an effort", "gave it one's all", "did one's best", or "strove to succeed". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "tried hard" or "tried really hard"?

"Tried really hard" intensifies the effort, but ""tried hard"" is often sufficient. Use "tried really hard" when you want to emphasize the exceptional level of effort exerted.

What is the difference between "tried hard" and "attempted earnestly"?

"Tried hard" is a more common and straightforward expression, while "attempted earnestly" sounds more formal and highlights the sincerity and seriousness of the effort.