i was attempting to vs I attempted to

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'I was attempting to' is used to describe an ongoing action in the past, while 'I attempted to' is used to describe a completed action in the past. The choice between the two depends on whether you want to emphasize the ongoing nature of the action or simply state that the action was done.

Last updated: April 04, 2024 • 283 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe an ongoing action in the past.

"i was attempting to"

Use 'I was attempting to' when you want to emphasize that the action was in progress at a specific point in the past.

Examples:

I was attempting to fix the broken computer when you called.
She was attempting to learn a new language last summer.

Show examples from the web [+]

Now, as I was attempting to say...
I was attempting to demonstrate my trust in you.
I was attempting to regulate Elise Vogelsong's sleep cycles.
In other words, I was attempting to sense the fear that she might be having and was trying to calm her down with something that was appropriate for her.
I was attempting to get into the spirit of things.
I was attempting to ascertain how this flag might work.
I was attempting to find the cause.
I was attempting to clear up a discrepancy between our information regarding El Gato and his.
I was attempting to dig a tunnel into my room.
I was attempting to use your razor, but it's more complicated than it looked.
I was attempting to get a rise out of you, to remind you that no matter where you go or how tedious the work you undertake, it will not change what you are - a detective.
I was attempting to help.
But I was attempting to help.
I was attempting to find the cause.
I should have been more discreet when I was attempting to loosen his tongue.
Umm, I was attempting to translate it.
I was attempting to protect your career.
Unfortunately the box fell as I was attempting to remove it.
I was attempting to seek out the Wraith presence with my mind, and then...
I was attempting to act in the defence of others.

Alternatives:

I was trying to
I was working on
I was in the process of

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe a completed action in the past.

"I attempted to"

Use 'I attempted to' when you want to simply state that the action was done at a specific point in the past.

Examples:

I attempted to fix the broken computer yesterday.
She attempted to learn a new language, but it was too difficult.

Show examples from the web [+]

I attempted to exit along a ramp to the right.
I attempted to join their fun and received new scars weekly in bloody games of soccer.
I attempted to do one of your crosswords.
I attempted to have a civilized discussion with my husband about the future.
I attempted to artificially manufacture its nectar.
I attempted to play Through every permutation of moves on a chessboard.
I attempted to cajole her but she rebuffed me.
That is precisely what I attempted to do.
Later I attempted to restart the system, however my sustem failed to recognize Hitcahi.
I attempted to deal with this in the manner I believed appropriate.
On Cyprus, I attempted to reach a clear and broad-based compromise with the shadow rapporteurs.
I attempted to throw myself from a cliff.
I attempted to continue my education on my own.
As you know from my statement, I attempted to arrest him.
A billion years ago, I attempted to overthrow. the democratically elected alderman from my district.
I have to say, I missed you all tremendously... when I attempted to remember your names.
When I attempted to contact her several times earlier in the day, my calls went unreturned.
When I attempted to tell her the bad news, she had a stroke and slipped into a coma.
It is illogical and reckless, which I attempted to point out to him on the Bridge.
I attempted to do you the favor.

Alternatives:

I tried to
I endeavored to
I sought to

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i was attempting to vs I attempted to