tried unsuccessfully vs tries unsuccessfully

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Tried unsuccessfully' is past tense and refers to an attempt that was not successful in the past. 'Tries unsuccessfully' is present tense and refers to ongoing attempts that are not successful. The choice between the two depends on whether you are talking about a past or present situation.

Last updated: March 21, 2024

tried unsuccessfully

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe attempts that were not successful in the past.

This phrase is used to talk about attempts that were made in the past but were not successful. It indicates that the trying and the lack of success both occurred in the past.

Examples:

He tried unsuccessfully to fix the broken machine.
She tried unsuccessfully to convince her parents to let her go on the trip.
The team tried unsuccessfully to win the championship last year.

Show examples from the web [+]

The doctor said they tried unsuccessfully to stop labor, but the babies are healthy and big enough. A national organization was planned as early as 1827, when the New York leaders attempted, unsuccessfully, to persuade Henry Clay, though ...
Adv. 1. unsuccessfully - without success; "she tried unsuccessfully to persuade him to buy a new car". successfully - with success; in a successful manner; "she performed the surgery successfully" ...
tried unsuccessfully 例文帳に追加. 不成功に試された - 日本語WordNet. to unsuccessfully attempt to stab somebody 例文帳に追加 ... she tried unsuccessfully to persuade him to buy a new car 彼女は、新車を買うよう彼を説得することに失敗した ...
I have tried unsuccessfully to reach you by telephone on [ ]. By letter dated [ ], I informed you that I am representing our mutual client, [ ], in her appeal from the orders terminating her parental rights. It is imperative that I speak to you about this ...

Alternatives:

attempted unsuccessfully
struggled unsuccessfully
endeavored unsuccessfully
sought unsuccessfully
aimed unsuccessfully

tries unsuccessfully

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe ongoing attempts that are not successful.

This phrase is used to talk about current or repeated attempts that are not successful. It indicates that the trying and the lack of success are happening in the present or as a recurring situation.

Examples:

He tries unsuccessfully to start his car every morning.
She tries unsuccessfully to learn how to play the guitar.
The company tries unsuccessfully to attract new customers.

Show examples from the web [+]

Apr 13, 2016 ... Woman tries unsuccessfully to jump from Biloxi-Ocean Springs bridge. Print Email · Warren Kulo | wkulo@al.com By Warren Kulo | wkulo@al.com The Mississippi Press Email the author | Follow on Twitter on April 13, 2016 at ...
Koch Propaganda Machine Tries Unsuccessfully to Discredit Jane Mayer (again!) By WeAreKochs. Wednesday Jan 13, 2016 · 9:07 AM PST. 2016/01/13 · 09:07. 9. 9. 9. 6/ 6 Comments Share Tweet. koch-industries_200x200.jpg.
Twin Bleaks: Philip Ridley Tries, Unsuccessfully, to Amuse With Two New Tales of Longing. Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at 11:14 a.m.. By Miriam Felton-Dansky. Dark Vanilla Jungle's Robyn Kerr EXPAND ...
May 7, 2015 ... Israel Tries Unsuccessfully To Justify Bombings Of UN Schools. "It is extremely disappointing that a former head of the Israeli army should repeat an allegation publicly retracted by his own spokesperson. It is unfortunate and ...

Alternatives:

is attempting unsuccessfully
is struggling unsuccessfully
is endeavoring unsuccessfully
is seeking unsuccessfully
is aiming unsuccessfully

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tried unsuccessfully vs tries unsuccessfully