tried to hit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tried to hit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an attempt to strike or make contact with someone or something, often in a physical context. Example: "During the argument, he tried to hit his opponent but was quickly restrained by his friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He tried to hit Hawthorn.

The New Yorker

Some people tried to hit me.

The New York Times

One woman tried to hit her.

The New York Times

"I tried to hit it too hard".

The New York Times - Sports

Posada tried to hit against Hughes.

The New York Times

They have tried to hit, and haven't.

The New York Times - Sports

"I tried to hit a serve, and I couldn't".

The New York Times

"I just tried to hit somebody," Beltran said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I tried to hit the highlights," my lawyer said.

The New York Times

"I tried to hit it really hard," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

But Davis has not tried to hit in two years.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical altercation or sporting event, consider using synonyms for "tried to hit" like "attempted to strike" or "took a swing at" for variety and precision.

Common error

Be mindful of the context. While "tried to hit" is generally neutral, in certain situations it can imply aggression or violence. Choose more nuanced language if you want to convey a less confrontational action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tried to hit" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an action that someone attempted to perform but did not necessarily complete. It typically involves a subject attempting to make physical contact with an object or person.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tried to hit" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe an attempt to strike something or someone. Ludwig AI validates its usage in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media, as well as sports contexts. While versatile, be mindful of the connotations in specific situations. Alternatives like "attempted to strike" or "took a swing at" can add nuance. Understanding both its common usage and subtle implications ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tried striking

A more concise way of expressing the attempt to hit.

attempted to strike

Emphasizes the attempt or effort made to hit, often implying a lack of success.

sought to hit

Similar to 'attempted', but can also imply a more deliberate or planned effort.

aimed to strike

Focuses on the aiming or targeting aspect of the attempt.

went for a hit

Focuses on the intention and action of trying to achieve a hit.

made an effort to hit

Highlights the exertion of effort, often when the attempt was difficult.

took a swing at

Implies a forceful attempt to hit, often in a sporting context or when expressing anger.

gave a hit a shot

Suggests an attempt, often experimental or without great confidence.

undertook to hit

A more formal and less common way to say 'tried to hit', suggesting a commitment to the action.

endeavored to hit

A formal alternative, emphasizing the effort and determination involved.

FAQs

What does "tried to hit" mean?

The phrase "tried to hit" means someone attempted to strike something or someone. It implies an effort to make contact, whether successful or not.

What can I say instead of "tried to hit"?

You can use alternatives like "attempted to strike", "sought to hit", or "took a swing at" depending on the context.

Is "tried to hit" grammatically correct?

Yes, "tried to hit" is grammatically correct. "Tried" is the past tense of "try", and "to hit" is an infinitive, forming a standard verb phrase.

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

You can use "tried to hit" to describe an attempt to strike something. For example, "He tried to hit the baseball but missed", or "The angry man tried to hit the other person".