try
verb (used with object)
to attempt to do or accomplish.
had tried
-
past perfectof try.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
Police found no brake marks that would have indicated she had tried to stop before crashing, according to the records.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 22, 2026
In the months since, Hannah said she had tried to channel her grief into raising awareness of the disease that took her daughter.
From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2026
One of the family's lawyers, Bertrand Wattez, said the boy, Evan, denied the police account, relayed by prosecutors, that he had tried to pick up the grenade when it went off on October 5.
From Barron's ● Oct. 14, 2026
Eventually he remembered he had tried connecting his webcams to another app, which likely was insecure.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 11, 2026
As if I wanted any more of the drek Raizel had tried peddling me at Mrs. Brenner’s dinner table.
From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros
