"as he tried to" vs "when he tried to"

Question

"as he tried to" vs "when he tried to"

Both "when he tried to" and "as he tried to" are correct phrases, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "When he tried to" is used to indicate the timing of an action, while "as he tried to" is used to show a simultaneous or accompanying action. The choice between the two depends on whether you want to emphasize the timing or the simultaneity of the actions.

Last Updated: March 19, 2024

This phrase is used to describe an action that is happening at the same time as another action.

Examples:

As he tried to fix the car, it started to rain.
She laughed as he tried to juggle the balls.
As he tried to concentrate, the noise outside grew louder.

Alternatives:

while he tried to
simultaneously with his attempt to
at the same time as he tried to
during his attempt to
in the process of trying to

This phrase is used to specify the time at which an action was attempted or carried out.

Examples:

When he tried to fix the car, he realized he needed a new part.
She panicked when he tried to kiss her.
When he tried to speak, his voice cracked with emotion.

Alternatives:

whenever he tried to
at the moment he tried to
at the time he tried to
each time he tried to
every time he tried to

Answer 1

as he tried to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a simultaneous or accompanying action.

Answer 2

when he tried to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate the timing of an action.

"as he tried to" vs "when he tried to"

as he tried to

when he tried to

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