try
verb (used with object)
to attempt to do or accomplish.
were trying
-
past progressiveof try.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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 were trying to develop technologies for plastic upcycling to make more valuable products. We thought, why not focus on making food? Because plastic is carbon and food is carbon," explains Associate Professor Lahiru Jayakody.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 13, 2026
In New York, firefighters, police officers and other first responders ran into burning buildings from which thousands were trying to escape.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026
China's state-run Xinhua news agency said Tuesday that emergency workers were trying to find survivors and working to reopen a major highway.
From Barron's ● Sep. 1, 2026
Rep. Brian Seitz, a Branson Republican who guided the amendment through the House, denied that supporters were trying to trick voters.
From Salon ● Aug. 25, 2026
She could see the crew of the empty ship talking with some men who were trying to convince some of the people to board, but everyone refused.
From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh
