we tried that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we tried that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a particular action or suggestion has already been attempted in the past. Example: "When discussing potential solutions to the problem, I mentioned that we tried that approach last year, and it didn't yield the desired results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We tried that already".

The New Yorker

We tried that under Mubarak.

The New York Times

"We tried that," Ms. Mayzler said.

The New York Times

We tried that one.

The New York Times - Sports

"We tried that," he said.

The New York Times

"Well, we tried that, and it doesn't work".

The New York Times

But, every time we tried that, we were closed down.

The New Yorker

We tried that and evidently did not succeed.

The New York Times

We tried that, and our reluctance cost us dearly.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"We tried that in Vietnam, only we did it the opposite way," he said after a speech at the National Press Club.

The New York Times

"If I remember rightly, we tried that formula in 2005 and it didn't produce the results we were hoping for.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we tried that" to succinctly indicate that a proposed solution or method has already been attempted, often implying it was unsuccessful. Make sure the context clearly establishes who "we" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "we tried that" without providing context, especially when speaking to someone unfamiliar with the past attempts. Always briefly explain the previous attempt to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Linguistic Context

We tried that functions as a concise statement to indicate a previous attempt at something. Based on Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It efficiently conveys that a particular course of action has already been undertaken.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

We tried that is a widely used phrase to indicate a previous attempt at something, often suggesting that the attempt was unsuccessful. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's important to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity, especially when communicating with those unfamiliar with the prior attempt. For more formal settings, alternatives like "that approach was previously attempted" can be considered. By understanding its implications and appropriate usage, one can effectively communicate past experiences and guide future decisions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we gave that a shot

Uses idiomatic expression "gave a shot" to indicate an attempt.

we attempted that already

Replaces "tried" with "attempted" and adds "already" for emphasis.

we already explored that

Substitutes "tried" with "explored", suggesting a more thorough investigation.

that was previously attempted by us

Uses a passive voice construction to describe the past attempt.

we experimented with that before

Replaces "tried" with "experimented", implying a more scientific approach.

we implemented that strategy earlier

Specifies "strategy" to indicate a planned approach.

we took that course of action previously

Emphasizes the decision-making aspect of the past attempt.

we pursued that option in the past

Highlights the active pursuit of a particular choice.

that approach was tested by us

Uses a passive construction emphasizing the testing aspect of the attempt.

we ventured down that path before

Employs a metaphorical expression to describe the prior attempt.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we tried that" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "that approach was previously attempted" or "we have already explored that option", which provide a similar meaning with a more sophisticated structure.

What does it imply when someone says "we tried that"?

Saying "we tried that" often implies that the suggested solution was already attempted and didn't work or wasn't successful. It can also suggest a desire to avoid repeating past mistakes.

Is "we tried that" appropriate for professional communication?

Yes, "we tried that" is perfectly acceptable in professional communication, especially in team discussions or project meetings. However, be mindful of the context and audience; provide additional details if needed to avoid ambiguity.

Are there more concise alternatives to "we tried that"?

Yes, you can use shorter alternatives such as "been there, done that" in informal settings or "already attempted" to be more direct and brief.