tried to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tried to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing an effort to achieve a certain state or quality. Example: "She tried to be more patient with her children during the difficult times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She tried to be philosophical.

The New Yorker

He never tried to be.

The New York Times - Sports

I tried to be casual.

The New Yorker

She tried to be precise.

The New Yorker

We've tried to be supportive.

Independent

She tried to be sympathetic.

The New York Times

I tried to be friendly.

The New York Times

He tried to be thankful.

Independent

"I tried to be the author".

The New Yorker

Chennai has tried to be inventive.

The New Yorker

We tried to be more attractive.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "tried to be" with specific adjectives or adverbs to provide a clearer picture of the intended outcome. For example, "tried to be helpful" is more descriptive than just "tried".

Common error

Avoid using "tried to be" when the intended outcome is inherently impossible or unrealistic. For example, instead of saying "He tried to be in two places at once", rephrase it to "He wished he could be in two places at once" to better reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tried to be" functions as part of an infinitive phrase, often acting as a verb complement. According to Ludwig AI, it's used to describe an action taken to achieve a certain quality or state. It indicates an attempt made in the past.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tried to be" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express past efforts to achieve a particular state or quality. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage, especially in news and media. When using this phrase, consider the specific quality you're aiming to convey and ensure it aligns with realistic expectations. Alternatives such as "attempted to be" or "endeavored to be" can add nuance, but "tried to be" remains a clear and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempted to become

Focuses on the action of trying to transform into something different.

endeavored to be

Emphasizes a more formal and serious attempt.

strived to be

Highlights the effort and determination involved in the attempt.

sought to be

Suggests a deliberate and thoughtful pursuit of a particular state.

aimed to be

Indicates a specific goal or objective in the attempt.

aspired to be

Implies a strong desire and ambition to reach a certain level.

worked at being

Focuses on the ongoing effort and commitment to maintain a certain quality.

made an effort to be

Highlights the conscious decision to try and achieve a specific state.

did my best to be

Expresses the commitment and dedication towards achieving a goal, often in the face of challenges.

set out to be

Highlights the initial intention and purpose behind the attempt.

FAQs

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

You can use "tried to be" to express an effort to achieve a certain state or quality. For example, "She "tried to be patient" with her children" or "He "tried to be optimistic" despite the bad news".

What are some alternatives to "tried to be"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "attempted to be", "endeavored to be", or "strived to be" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "try to be" instead of "tried to be"?

Yes, "try to be" is also correct, but it has a different tense. "Try to be" indicates a present or future intention, while "tried to be" indicates a past effort. For example, "I try to be helpful" versus "I "tried to be helpful" yesterday".

What's the difference between "tried to be" and "attempted to be"?

"Tried to be" and "attempted to be" are largely synonymous, both indicating an effort to achieve something. However, "attempted to be" might imply a slightly more formal or deliberate effort than "tried to be".