tried to explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tried to explain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about someone attempting to clarify something. For example: "My teacher tried to explain the concept of chemical bonds to the class, but most of us were still confused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sue tried to explain.

The New Yorker

I tried to explain.

The New Yorker

He tried to explain.

The New York Times

The announcer tried to explain.

The New York Times - Sports

The man tried to explain.

The New Yorker

Asaf tried to explain.

The New Yorker

Rudd tried to explain.

The New York Times - Sports

He tried to explain, defend and justify.

The New York Times

Mr. Cain at first tried to explain.

The New York Times

Ryan tried to explain the sensation.

The New York Times - Sports

Van der Schaft tried to explain.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tried to explain", ensure the context clearly indicates what was being explained and the degree of success in doing so. For example, "She tried to explain the complex algorithm, but I still didn't understand it."

Common error

Avoid using vague pronouns like 'it' or 'this' immediately after "tried to explain" without clearly referencing what 'it' or 'this' refers to. Instead, restate or clarify the subject matter to maintain clarity. For example, instead of 'He tried to explain it, but I was confused', write 'He tried to explain the economic policy, but I was confused'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tried to explain" functions as a verb phrase indicating an attempted action. It signifies that someone made an effort to provide clarification or understanding. Ludwig examples demonstrate its broad applicability across diverse subjects and contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that "tried to explain" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe an attempt to clarify something. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase indicates an effort to provide understanding, which may or may not be successful. When writing, ensure clarity by avoiding vague pronouns after the phrase and always indicating what the subject matter actually is. Related phrases such as "attempted to clarify" and "sought to explain" offer subtle variations in meaning. Understanding these nuances will enhance the precision and effectiveness of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

made an effort to clarify

Highlights the exertion put into making something easier to understand.

sought to clarify

Emphasizes the intent or desire to make something more understandable.

attempted to clarify

Focuses on making something clearer, often implying simplifying complex information.

undertook to explain

Emphasizes a deliberate action to provide explanation.

aimed to explicate

Suggests a goal-oriented approach to providing a detailed explanation.

endeavored to elucidate

Highlights a more formal and thorough effort to shed light on a topic.

strived to make clear

Indicates a considerable effort was made to ensure understanding.

sought to interpret

Focuses on providing a particular understanding or perspective.

set out to demonstrate

Highlights an intention to prove or showcase something through explanation.

ventured to describe

Indicates a hesitant or cautious approach to providing an explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "tried to explain" to describe an attempt to clarify something. For example, "The teacher "tried to explain" the theorem, but the students struggled to grasp it."

What are some alternatives to "tried to explain"?

Alternatives include "attempted to clarify", "sought to explain", or "endeavored to elucidate", each carrying a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "tried to explaining" instead of "tried to explain"?

No, "tried to explaining" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "tried to explain", where "to" is followed by the base form of the verb.

What is the difference between "tried to explain" and "managed to explain"?

"Tried to explain" indicates an attempt, while "managed to explain" implies successful clarification. If someone "tried to explain" something, they might not have succeeded. If they "managed to explain" it, they were successful in their explanation.