I have tried to find him in vain vs I tried to find him in vain

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'I have tried to find him in vain' implies that the action of trying to find him has been ongoing or repeated up to the present moment. 'I tried to find him in vain' indicates that the action of trying to find him occurred at a specific point in the past.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 922 views

I have tried to find him in vain

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to express that the action of trying to find someone has been ongoing or repeated up to the present moment without success.

Examples:

I have tried to find him in vain for weeks.
She has tried to contact him in vain multiple times.

Show examples from the web [+]

We tried in vain to find out more.
Can the Commission confirm that its representation in Uganda has tried in vain to find a solution allowing the remaining part to be completed without Ugandan Government involvement?
I have tried to find it in my heart to forgive you.
I have tried to find it in the newspapers.
Honestly, David, I have tried to find my pulse like a thousand times and nothing.
I have tried to find out how much is invested in the future in a big country like the Federal Republic of Germany.
I have also been asked for a contribution, which is why I have tried to find something among funds that, in principle, are already allocated.
I have tried to find out, after Taoiseach and Tánaiste, what would be the proper name for yourself, but I am afraid I was not able to until now.
I have tried to find where the stimuli for growth, employment and stability are in the communication.
I have tried to find out what happened to the money and I have discovered that nothing has yet been closed down.
I have tried in vain to understand why the majority of this House have an absolute desire for Turkey to join the European Union.
We have tried to find a balanced solution and not to penalise anybody.
Heads of State or Government have tried to find a compromise with the Lisbon Treaty.
Since 1998, we have tried to accommodate American concerns in relation to certain provisions of the Statute but, as the summer showed, these efforts have been in vain.
And believe me, I've tried to find him.
As I encountered a great deal of resistance to the German term for public prosecutor, which is 'Staatsanwaltschaft', I have tried to find a more neutral expression for my report and then to have this put to the vote.
I have tried to leave him so many times.
I have tried to corral these animals myself.
I have tried to execute a contingency plan working with the state and local police to create safe zones.
I have tried to teach her... all day.

Alternatives:

I have been trying to find him in vain.
I have made several attempts to find him, but in vain.

I tried to find him in vain

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to indicate that the action of trying to find someone occurred at a specific point in the past without success.

Examples:

I tried to find him in vain yesterday.
She tried to reach him in vain last week.

Show examples from the web [+]

We tried in vain to find out more.
Can the Commission confirm that its representation in Uganda has tried in vain to find a solution allowing the remaining part to be completed without Ugandan Government involvement?
I tried to find him afterwards, but he was gone before I could catch up with him.
I tried to find him, but I guess he's not living in the same spot.
I was sorry then and frightened, and I tried to find him.
And when I tried to find him again I had lost him.
You're mad he's alive, you're mad I tried to find him, and you're mad I came back.
And believe me, I've tried to find him.
This trickery must cease. I tried to be pleasant, in vain.
I tried to find Stiles and I led everyone into a mental institution.
I tried to find it once.
I tried to find different ways to tell you.
I tried to find you that day.
I tried to find a pattern that fit all the facts.
I tried to find you at lunch.
I tried to find a time to bring it up.
I tried to find a thermometer that would work.
I tried to find my Swiss Army knife, but...
So I tried to find a ride into town.
I tried to find them but I never seen a dragon.

Alternatives:

I attempted to find him, but in vain.
I made an unsuccessful attempt to find him.

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I have tried to find him in vain vs I tried to find him in vain