we tried

USAGE SUMMARY

'we tried' is a perfectly grammatical and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to refer to an unsuccessful attempt to do something. For example, "We tried to call you, but your phone was off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We tried".

The New York Times

"We tried," he said.

The New York Times

We tried so hard.

Independent

"We tried," Ovechkin said.

The New York Times - Sports

Me: We tried.

The New Yorker

Well, we tried.

The New Yorker

"We tried to predict.

The New York Times

We tried owning nothing.

The New Yorker

Believe us, we tried.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We tried Lobster Sundays.

The New York Times

(We tried two.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language by using alternatives like "we made an effort" or "we gave it a shot" to avoid sounding repetitive.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "we tried" without explaining the approach or the challenges faced. Providing context adds transparency and value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we tried" primarily functions as a statement indicating that an attempt was made. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples in Ludwig show it often precedes an explanation of the result or the effort involved. It conveys a sense of action and potential outcome, successful or not.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we tried" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate an attempt was made. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability. While suitable for various contexts, including news and general communication, it's essential to provide context to enhance clarity. In more formal settings, consider alternatives like "we endeavored". Remember, the phrase communicates effort and intent, whether successful or not.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we made an effort

This alternative emphasizes the exertion of effort in attempting something.

we did our best

This implies an attempt was made with the best possible effort, regardless of the outcome.

we gave it our best shot

This highlights that the attempt was made with maximum effort.

we gave it a shot

This phrase suggests an attempt was made, often with an understanding that success wasn't guaranteed.

we took a stab at it

This implies an attempt, usually at something challenging or unfamiliar.

we attempted it

A more formal way of saying "we tried", indicating an attempt was made.

we had a go

This is an informal way to express that an attempt was made.

we put our best foot forward

This indicates an attempt to perform well, often in a new or challenging situation.

we explored the possibility

This suggests an attempt to investigate or understand something.

we ventured into it

This indicates that an attempt to do something was made. The phrase "we ventured into it" often applies when the action is risky or the final result is unknown.

FAQs

How can I use "we tried" in a sentence?

"We tried" is used to indicate an attempt was made. For example, "We tried to fix it, but it was beyond repair."

What can I say instead of "we tried"?

You can use alternatives like "we made an effort", "we gave it a shot", or "we attempted it depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "we tried" in formal writing?

While "we tried" is generally acceptable, in formal writing, consider using more precise language like "we endeavored" or "we attempted to".

What's the difference between "we tried" and "we attempted"?

"We attempted" is a more formal way of saying "we tried". While both indicate an effort was made, "we attempted" is often used in more serious or official contexts.