tried unsuccessfully

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tried unsuccessfully" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used when talking about attempted actions that didn't achieve the desired result. For example: "I tried unsuccessfully to solve the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

(He tried, unsuccessfully, to have it banned).

The New Yorker

She tried unsuccessfully for a loan modification.

The New York Times

He even tried unsuccessfully to block publication.

The New York Times

They tried, unsuccessfully, to find some vodka.

The New Yorker

He tried, unsuccessfully, to interest his son in tennis.

The New Yorker

Democrats tried unsuccessfully to expand protections for gays and lesbians.

The New York Times

She tried unsuccessfully to get tickets to the game.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

He tried -- unsuccessfully -- to land commercials.

The New York Times

House Democrats have tried unsuccessfully to pass it this year.

Huffington Post

Unions have tried, unsuccessfully, to organize Wal-Mart's employees.

The New York Times

Mayor Edward I. Koch tried unsuccessfully to run for governor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tried unsuccessfully" to clearly and concisely indicate that an attempt was made but did not succeed. This phrase is suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "tried unsuccessfully" when the context already implies failure. For example, instead of saying "He tried unsuccessfully to fail the test", simply say "He tried to fail the test" because trying to fail inherently implies the possibility of not succeeding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tried unsuccessfully" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action that was attempted but did not achieve its intended outcome. Ludwig AI affirms this with numerous examples showing how it modifies verbs of action or effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tried unsuccessfully" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate a failed attempt. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and appropriate in various contexts, ranging from news reporting to academic writing. The phrase's neutral tone and widespread use in authoritative sources make it a reliable choice for conveying the lack of success in an endeavor. While several alternatives exist, selecting the best option depends on the specific nuance and formality desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempted without success

This alternative emphasizes the act of attempting and the lack of a positive result. This phrase is more formal.

failed in the attempt

This phrase highlights the failure itself, focusing on the unsuccessful nature of the endeavor.

made an unsuccessful effort

This version stresses the effort exerted, contrasting it with the lack of success.

endeavored without result

A more formal and literary alternative, emphasizing the effort and the absence of a positive outcome.

sought without achieving

This option focuses on the seeking or striving aspect, highlighting the failure to achieve the goal.

gave it a shot but failed

This is a more casual and direct way of saying someone attempted something but didn't succeed.

took a crack at it but missed

A colloquial expression indicating an attempt that didn't hit the mark or achieve the desired result.

poured effort into it, yet failed

Highlights a large effort investment with a negative result. Suitable for scenarios where the resources spent are significant.

strove but could not manage

This emphasizes a considerable effort (strove) followed by an inability to achieve something.

had a go, but it didn't work

A very informal and British-sounding way to say that something was attempted but did not succeed.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "tried unsuccessfully" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "attempted without success", "failed in the attempt", or "endeavored without result" depending on the specific context.

What's a more casual way to say "tried unsuccessfully"?

In more informal settings, you could use phrases like "gave it a shot but failed" or "had a go, but it didn't work" to convey the same meaning in a more relaxed manner.

Is "tried unsuccessfully" always the best choice, or are there situations where other phrases are better?

While "tried unsuccessfully" is a versatile phrase, other options might be more appropriate depending on the nuance you want to convey. For instance, if you want to emphasize the effort involved, you might say "made an unsuccessful effort". Consider "strove but could not manage" if the intention was strong.

What is the difference between "tried unsuccessfully" and "attempted unsuccessfully"?

The phrases "tried unsuccessfully" and "attempted unsuccessfully" are nearly synonymous and can often be used interchangeably. The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference or the specific rhythm of the sentence.