we tried to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we tried to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an attempt to do something, often followed by an action or goal. Example: "We tried to finish the project ahead of schedule, but unforeseen issues arose."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We tried to predict.

The New York Times

"We tried to cry.

The New Yorker

We tried to run".

The New York Times

We tried to contain him".

The New York Times - Sports

We tried to defend ourselves.

Independent

"We tried to catch him.

The New York Times - Sports

We tried to blitz him.

The New York Times - Sports

"We tried to treat patients".

The New Yorker

We tried to remake Iraq.

The New Yorker

We tried to spot him.

The New York Times - Sports

We tried to save them".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "we tried to" with a verb that clearly explains the intended action. This makes the sentence direct and easy to understand.

Common error

Avoid using "we tried to" without specifying what you were trying to do. For example, instead of saying "We tried to fix it", be specific: "We tried to repair the broken engine".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we tried to" functions as a verbal phrase indicating an attempt or effort to perform a specific action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the structure is grammatically sound and widely accepted. It sets the stage for describing an action that was undertaken, regardless of the outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we tried to" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express an attempt or effort towards a specific action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it's suitable for both formal and informal communication, it's important to follow it with a clear and specific verb to convey the intended action. Remember to avoid using it without a clear action, as this can lead to ambiguity. Alternatives such as "we attempted to" or "we sought to" can be used depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we attempted to

Similar in meaning, but "attempted" is often perceived as slightly more formal than "tried".

we made an effort to

A more descriptive alternative that emphasizes the exertion of effort.

we sought to

"Sought to" implies a more deliberate and purposeful effort, often used in formal contexts.

we endeavored to

"Endeavored to" is a more formal and emphatic way of saying "tried to", suggesting a determined effort.

we set out to

"Set out to" indicates a deliberate beginning with a specific intention.

we aimed to

"Aimed to" suggests a specific target or goal in mind when making the effort.

we strived to

"Strived to" implies a significant effort and struggle towards achieving something.

we had a go at

A more informal alternative, common in British English, meaning "we gave it a try".

we gave it a shot to

This alternative is more casual and implies a less serious attempt.

we took a stab at

Informal phrase suggesting an initial or tentative attempt.

FAQs

How do I use "we tried to" in a sentence?

The phrase "we tried to" is followed by a verb in its base form, indicating the action that was attempted. For instance, "We tried to solve the problem" or "We tried to reach a deal".

What can I say instead of "we tried to"?

You can use alternatives like "we attempted to", "we sought to", or "we endeavored to" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "we tried and did"?

While grammatically understandable, "we tried and did" can sound redundant. It's more concise and common to simply state the action: "We did it". If you want to emphasize the effort, you could say "We tried hard, and we succeeded".

What's the difference between "we tried to" and "we are trying to"?

"We tried to" indicates a past attempt, whereas "we are trying to" indicates an ongoing effort. For example, "We tried to fix it yesterday" (past) versus "We are trying to fix it right now" (present).