What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tries
Example
He tries his best to finish his work on time. [tries: verb]
Example
She always gives it her best try, no matter what. [try: noun]
attempts
Example
He attempted to climb the mountain but failed. [attempted: past tense]
Example
She made several attempts to solve the puzzle before giving up. [attempts: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tries and attempts are both commonly used in everyday language, but tries is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between tries and attempts?
Both tries and attempts are relatively informal words, but attempts may be slightly more formal due to its association with specific goals and outcomes.
