try
verb (used with object)
to attempt to do or accomplish.
had been trying
-
past perfect progressiveof try.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
We had been trying to have a baby for a while, and my wife found out she was pregnant that day.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026
The community larder offers a membership scheme whereby the surplus produce can be bought at discounted rates, and Steele said the volunteers had been trying to "save as much food from the bin as possible".
From BBC ● Jul. 7, 2026
On Sunday, Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo came out fighting against critics he said had been "trying to kill me for the past 23 years".
From Barron's ● Jul. 6, 2026
Apple chief Tim Cook said the company had been trying to shield customers from the increases but it was no longer possible.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 20, 2026
He explained, stiffly and simply, that he was in kemmer and had been trying to avoid me, insofar as one of us could avoid the other.
From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin
