tried to move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tried to move" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an attempt to change position or location, either physically or metaphorically. Example: "Despite the obstacles in her way, she tried to move forward with her plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

She tried to move.

The New Yorker

I tried to move.

The New Yorker

"I've tried to move on".

The New York Times

We tried to move forward.

Independent

The university has tried to move on.

The New York Times - Sports

Ms. Wein tried to move the stone.

The New York Times

With a soft grunt he tried to move the couch.

The New Yorker

"If you tried to move that's when the firing started".

The Guardian

Failing to understand, I tried to move past her.

The New Yorker

Her handler tried to move her to someone more responsive.

The New York Times

Then Couples tried to move the ball forward.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tried to move" to describe attempts to transition from a difficult situation, such as "After the scandal, the company tried to move past the negative publicity."

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "tried to move" with "tried moving". "Tried to move" indicates an attempt to perform the action of moving, whereas "tried moving" suggests experimenting with movement as a potential solution. For example, "She tried to move the table" means she attempted to relocate it, while "She tried moving the table" implies she tested if moving it would solve a problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tried to move" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an attempt to perform the action of moving. The examples provided by Ludwig show it used in various contexts, from physical movement to metaphorical shifts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tried to move" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe an attempt to change position, location, or state, as shown in the examples. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in News & Media contexts. When using the phrase, be mindful of the distinction between "tried to move" (attempting the action) and "tried moving" (experimenting with movement). Consider alternatives like "attempted to shift" or "sought to relocate" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempted to shift

Focuses on changing position or direction, implying a deliberate effort to alter something's placement.

sought to relocate

Highlights the intention of finding a new location, suggesting a more planned and purposeful action.

endeavored to budge

Emphasizes the effort made to move something that is resistant or difficult to move.

made an effort to advance

Implies an attempt to progress or move forward, especially in a challenging situation.

aimed to adjust

Highlights the intention of making a change to fit better or achieve a desired outcome.

strove to displace

Indicates an effort to move something from its current position, often with force or difficulty.

wished to maneuver

Suggests a desire to guide or direct something carefully, often in a confined space.

undertook to transfer

Implies a commitment to move something from one place to another, often involving some complexity.

sought to rearrange

Emphasizes the intention of altering the arrangement or order of something.

took steps to redirect

Highlights the actions taken to change the course or direction of something.

FAQs

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

Use "tried to move" to describe an attempt to shift something or someone. For example, "She "tried to move" the furniture to rearrange the room", or "He "tried to move" on from the painful memory".

What are some alternatives to "tried to move"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "attempted to shift", "sought to relocate", or "endeavored to budge".

What is the difference between "tried to move" and "tried moving"?

"Tried to move" indicates an attempt to perform an action, while "tried moving" suggests experimenting with the action. For example, "He "tried to move" the car" (attempted to relocate it), versus "He "tried moving" the car" (tested if moving it would help).

Is "tried to move on" the same as "tried to move forward"?

While similar, "tried to move on" often implies emotionally distancing oneself from a past event, whereas "tried to move forward" suggests making progress despite obstacles. Their interchangeability depends on the specific context.