try unsuccessfully

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try unsuccessfully" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an attempt to achieve something that ultimately did not succeed. Example: "She tried unsuccessfully to convince her friends to join her on the trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

He was there to try, unsuccessfully, to get a divorce from his American wife.

The New Yorker

But the response led the company to try unsuccessfully to buy television advertising during the game.

The New York Times

(Of course I then did try, unsuccessfully, to write like Donald Barthelme).

The New Yorker

They wander outside and try unsuccessfully to find a place to kiss in the parking lot.

The New Yorker

And I'll certainly never tell anyone about the dreams you've been having in which you try (unsuccessfully) to seduce Dumbledore.

The New Yorker

Mrs. Weir did try unsuccessfully to put in a flower garden at the farm, and nothing grew.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

She tried unsuccessfully for a loan modification.

The New York Times

They tried, unsuccessfully, to find some vodka.

The New Yorker

Mr. Parker tried unsuccessfully to acquire Delta Air Lines a year ago.

The New York Times

He tried unsuccessfully to create an Old Catholic movement in England.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "try unsuccessfully", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the subject was attempting to achieve. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity. For example: "They tried unsuccessfully to negotiate a settlement."

Common error

Avoid using "try unsuccessfully" with other verbs that already imply failure. For example, instead of saying "They attempted to try unsuccessfully", simply say "They attempted and failed" or "Their attempt was unsuccessful".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try unsuccessfully" functions as a verb phrase that describes an action undertaken without achieving the intended outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and it serves to qualify the nature of the attempt made.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "try unsuccessfully" is grammatically correct and serves to describe an attempt that ultimately fails. Ludwig AI indicates its validity and usability. It's commonly found in news and media contexts and offers a neutral tone suitable for various situations. Related phrases include "attempt in vain" and "fail to achieve", which provide similar meanings. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure clarity and avoid redundancy with similar verbs to maintain conciseness and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be unsuccessful

A more general way of saying something did not go as planned or achieve its goal.

try and fail

A very direct way of indicating that an attempt was made but it did not succeed.

not succeed

Offers a straightforward and simple way to express the lack of success.

attempt in vain

Emphasizes the futility of the effort, suggesting a lack of success despite considerable effort.

fail to achieve

Focuses on the lack of attainment, highlighting the absence of the intended result.

fall short of success

Indicates a failure to reach the level of success that was hoped for or expected.

prove unsuccessful

Highlights the unsuccessful nature of the effort, offering a more formal tone.

come to naught

Suggests that the effort resulted in nothing, implying a complete lack of progress.

be defeated

Implies facing opposition or challenges that lead to a failure to achieve the intended outcome.

take a shot in vain

A figurative expression indicating an attempt made with no practical result.

FAQs

How can I use "try unsuccessfully" in a sentence?

You can use "try unsuccessfully" to describe an attempt that did not achieve the desired outcome. For example, "The team members "tried unsuccessfully" to meet the deadline."

What are some alternatives to "try unsuccessfully"?

Alternatives include "attempt in vain", "fail to achieve", or "not succeed" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "attempt to try unsuccessfully"?

Yes, using both "attempt" and "try unsuccessfully" is generally redundant. It's better to use either "attempt unsuccessfully" or simply "fail".

Which is more formal, "try unsuccessfully" or "fail"?

"Try unsuccessfully" is somewhat more descriptive and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while "fail" is more direct. The choice depends on the desired level of detail and formality.