If he hadn't tried vs If he wouldn't have tried

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'If he hadn't tried' is the more common and natural way to express a past unreal condition. On the other hand, 'if he wouldn't have tried' is less common and may sound awkward to some native speakers.

Last updated: April 03, 2024 • 129 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express a past unreal condition.

"If he hadn't tried"

This phrase is used to talk about a situation in the past that did not happen because someone tried something. It is a common way to express a past unreal condition.

Examples:

If he hadn't tried so hard, he wouldn't have failed.
If she hadn't tried that new recipe, we wouldn't have had such a delicious meal.

Show examples from the web [+]

If he hadn't tried to save Doc...
I mean, I could have stayed in there forever if he hadn't tried to cross state lines with a warrant out on him.
WOULD RUTHERFORD EVER HAVE SPLIT THE ATOM IF HE HADN'T TRIED?
I mean, I could have stayed in there forever if he hadn't tried to cross state lines with a warrant out on him.
If he hadn't have tried to bribe you, he wouldn't be my nephew.
Anyway, the sergeant would've shot him if he tried it.
It would be worse if he tried to get away.
Probably couldn't get a library card if he tried.
If he tried to steal it.
Couldn't get rid of me if he tried.
You said it'd be suicide if he tried it.
Ray would've done it, too, if he tried anything.
I could not tell the truth even if he tried!
Probably couldn't get a library card if he tried.
If he tried to sign up now, he'd be excluded, preexisting condition.
He just said that he'd done something bad, and he was afraid if he tried to climb out, these people would come after him.
And I warned J.R. what would happen if he tried something like this.
Ray would've done it, too, if he tried anything.
If he tried anything,'d have to take him down.
I'd be very surprised if he tried anything like that again.

Alternatives:

if he didn't try
if he hadn't attempted
if he hadn't made an effort
if he hadn't given it a shot
if he hadn't put in the effort

This phrase is correct but less common in English. It may sound awkward to some native speakers.

"If he wouldn't have tried"

This phrase can also be used to express a past unreal condition, but it is less common and may not sound as natural to some native speakers.

Examples:

If he wouldn't have tried so hard, he might have succeeded.
If she wouldn't have tried that approach, things might have turned out differently.

Show examples from the web [+]

If he wouldn't have tried
If he wouldn't have come down, I don't know what would have happened.
I'd appreciate it if he wouldn't have to listen to that.
You know, if he wouldn't have turned around, we would have never caught him.
If he wouldn't have employed me...
But, you know, he'd be a part of all this right now if he wouldn't have pussed out on me but that's his life.
If he was dead they wouldn't have bothered.
If he did, he wouldn't have taken a Johnny bet.
If he did, he wouldn't have looked like that.
If he were, I wouldn't have done what I did.
If he did, he wouldn't have left me here to deal with Dad all by myself.
If he did, he wouldn't have kept my mother from me.
Even if he was aware He wouldn't have told anyone.
If he had, he wouldn't have been siding with Joe Dalhousie.
I mean, Michael would come if he could, but wouldn't have nobody else to pick up his little brother Bug.
And if he did, they wouldn't have come over here to have coffee with you.
You know, if he had, I wouldn't have brought Data.
Maybe, if he had, Michael wouldn't have overplayed his hand as a big-shot producer who knew lots of people.
If he did, he wouldn't have given up the Lexicon so easily.
If he didn't I wouldn't have a shot of growing into the joy of having a relationship with him that I truly prize above anything else.
If not, he wouldn't have buried him the way he did.

Alternatives:

if he hadn't tried
if he didn't try
if he hadn't attempted
if he hadn't made an effort
if he hadn't given it a shot

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

If he hadn't tried vs If he wouldn't have tried

"If he hadn't tried"

"If he wouldn't have tried"

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text