When you are writing to a language exchange partner, you often need to explain that you have already tried something before asking for help. Maybe you tried to understand a grammar rule, looked up a word, or attempted a sentence on your own. The problem is that many learners use the same simple phrase every time, like “I tried,” which can sound unclear or incomplete. This guide will give you direct, natural ways to say what you tried already, so your message is clear, polite, and easy for your partner to respond to.
Quick Answer: How to Say What You Tried
If you need a fast, correct phrase right now, use one of these patterns:
- For a specific action: “I already tried [verb + ing].” Example: “I already tried looking it up in a dictionary.”
- For a general effort: “I’ve tried [noun] before.” Example: “I’ve tried that exercise before.”
- For something that didn’t work: “I tried [verb + ing], but it didn’t help.” Example: “I tried reading the explanation, but it didn’t help.”
- For a polite request after trying: “I tried [verb + ing] on my own, but I’m still not sure. Could you explain it differently?”
These phrases show your partner that you are not asking for help without trying first. This makes your message more respectful and more likely to get a helpful reply.
Why Saying What You Tried Matters
In a language exchange, your partner is giving you their time for free. If you write a message like “I don’t understand this. Help me,” it can sound demanding. But if you write “I tried to understand this rule by reading examples, but I still have a question,” your partner sees that you are working hard. This builds a better relationship and encourages your partner to give you a thoughtful answer.
Also, when you explain what you tried, your partner can give you more specific help. For example, if you say “I tried using this word in a sentence, but my partner corrected me,” your partner knows exactly where the problem is. They can focus on that one point instead of guessing.
Formal vs. Informal: Which Tone Should You Use?
Your choice of words depends on how close you are with your partner. Here is a simple comparison:
| Situation | Formal / Polite | Informal / Casual |
|---|---|---|
| You tried a method | “I have already attempted to…” | “I already tried…” |
| You tried and failed | “I attempted to do this, but unfortunately…” | “I tried, but it didn’t work.” |
| Asking for help after trying | “I have made an effort to understand this, but I would appreciate your guidance.” | “I tried figuring it out, but I’m stuck. Can you help?” |
| Describing a past attempt | “I previously tried using a different approach.” | “I tried that before.” |
When to use formal: If you just met your partner, or if your partner is older or more advanced, use polite phrases. This shows respect.
When to use informal: If you have been talking for a while and your partner uses casual language with you, you can relax your tone. But even then, it is good to show that you tried something first.
Natural Examples for Different Situations
Situation 1: You tried to find the meaning of a word
- Formal: “I have already looked up this word in two dictionaries, but the definitions are confusing. Could you explain how it is used in daily conversation?”
- Informal: “I already checked the dictionary for this word, but I’m still not sure. Can you give me an example?”
Situation 2: You tried to write a sentence correctly
- Formal: “I attempted to write a sentence using the present perfect tense, but I am not confident it is correct. Would you mind checking it for me?”
- Informal: “I tried writing a sentence with present perfect, but I think I messed up. Can you look at it?”
Situation 3: You tried to understand a grammar rule
- Formal: “I have tried reading several explanations about when to use ‘since’ and ‘for,’ but I still mix them up. Could you give me a simple tip?”
- Informal: “I tried reading about ‘since’ and ‘for,’ but I keep getting them wrong. What’s the trick?”
Situation 4: You tried a practice exercise
- Formal: “I attempted the exercise you sent me last week. I completed it, but I would like to know if my answers are correct.”
- Informal: “I tried that exercise you gave me. I finished it, but can you check it?”
Common Mistakes When Saying What You Tried
Even advanced learners make these mistakes. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them.
Mistake 1: Using “I tried to” with a noun
Wrong: “I tried to the dictionary.”
Right: “I tried using the dictionary.” or “I tried to use the dictionary.”
Explanation: “Try to” must be followed by a verb, not a noun. If you want to use a noun, say “I tried [noun].” Example: “I tried the dictionary, but it didn’t help.”
Mistake 2: Forgetting “already” or “before”
Wrong: “I tried this method.” (This sounds like you are talking about a general fact, not a past attempt.)
Right: “I already tried this method.” or “I tried this method before.”
Explanation: Adding “already” or “before” makes it clear that you tried in the past and the result is still relevant now.
Mistake 3: Using “I tried” without saying what happened
Wrong: “I tried to understand, but I can’t.” (This is too vague.)
Right: “I tried to understand the difference between ‘say’ and ‘tell’ by reading examples, but I still get confused when I have to use them in a sentence.”
Explanation: Your partner needs to know exactly what you tried and where you got stuck. Be specific.
Mistake 4: Using “I have tried” when you mean “I tried”
Wrong: “I have tried to call you yesterday.”
Right: “I tried to call you yesterday.”
Explanation: Use “I tried” for a specific past time. Use “I have tried” when the time is not important or when you are talking about experience in general.
Better Alternatives to Common Phrases
If you find yourself using the same phrase over and over, try these alternatives to sound more natural.
| Instead of saying… | Try saying… |
|---|---|
| “I tried.” | “I gave it a try.” or “I made an attempt.” |
| “I tried to do it.” | “I attempted to do it.” or “I gave it a shot.” (informal) |
| “I tried but I couldn’t.” | “I tried, but I didn’t succeed.” or “I tried, but it didn’t work out.” |
| “I tried to find it.” | “I searched for it.” or “I looked for it.” |
| “I tried to ask.” | “I asked around.” or “I inquired.” (formal) |
When to use these alternatives: Use “gave it a shot” only with close friends. Use “attempted” or “inquired” in more formal messages. In most language exchange messages, “I tried” plus a specific action is perfectly fine, but varying your language makes you sound more fluent.
Mini Practice: Check Your Understanding
Read each situation and choose the best sentence. Then check the answers below.
Question 1: You tried to understand a phrasal verb by reading a blog post, but you still don’t get it. What do you write?
- “I tried to read a blog post, but I don’t understand.”
- “I tried reading a blog post about ‘give up’ and ‘give in,’ but I still can’t see the difference. Can you explain it in your own words?”
- “I tried a blog post.”
Question 2: You tried to write an email in English, but you think it has mistakes. What do you write?
- “I tried to write an email. Is it correct?”
- “I wrote an email. Check it.”
- “I attempted to write an email using the formal tone we discussed. Could you please review it and tell me if I made any errors?”
Question 3: You tried to use a new vocabulary word in a conversation, but your partner didn’t understand you. What do you write?
- “I tried to use ‘ambiguous’ yesterday, but you looked confused. Did I use it wrong?”
- “I used a word and you didn’t understand.”
- “I tried.”
Question 4: You tried to find a grammar rule online, but the explanations were too hard. What do you write?
- “I tried to find the rule, but it was hard.”
- “I searched online for the rule about second conditional, but the explanations were too advanced for me. Could you give me a simpler version?”
- “I tried.”
Answers:
1. Option 2 is best because it is specific and asks for help in a clear way.
2. Option 3 is best because it is polite and gives context about what you tried.
3. Option 1 is best because it mentions the exact word and asks a direct question.
4. Option 2 is best because it names the rule and explains why you still need help.
FAQ: Common Questions About Saying What You Tried
1. Should I always say what I tried before asking a question?
Not always, but it is a good habit. If your question is very simple, like “What does ‘cat’ mean?” you do not need to say you tried a dictionary. But for harder questions, showing your effort makes your partner more willing to help. It also helps them understand your level.
2. What if I didn’t try anything yet? Should I lie?
No, never lie. If you haven’t tried anything, you can say, “I’m not sure where to start. Could you suggest a way to understand this?” This is honest and still shows respect for your partner’s time.
3. Can I use “I attempted” in casual messages?
You can, but it sounds quite formal. In casual messages, “I tried” or “I gave it a try” is more natural. Save “I attempted” for when you want to sound serious or polite.
4. How do I say that I tried something but it was not helpful?
Use a phrase like “I tried [verb + ing], but it didn’t clarify things for me” or “I tried [method], but I still have the same question.” This tells your partner that your attempt was real but not enough, so they know they need to explain differently.
Putting It All Together: A Sample Message
Here is a complete example of a language exchange message that uses what you learned:
“Hi Maria,
I tried to understand the difference between ‘some’ and ‘any’ by reading a grammar website, but the examples were too simple. I still don’t know when to use ‘any’ in positive sentences. Could you give me a few real-life examples? I would really appreciate it.
Thanks,
Taro”
This message works because it shows effort (tried reading a website), names the specific problem (positive sentences with ‘any’), and asks politely for help. Your partner can immediately see what you need and give a useful answer.
For more help with writing clear messages, check out our Language Exchange Message Starters for opening lines, or our Language Exchange Message Polite Requests for asking questions politely. If you need to explain a different kind of problem, visit our Language Exchange Message Problem Explanations section. And when you get a reply, our Language Exchange Message Practice Replies can help you respond naturally.
If you have more questions about how to write better messages, feel free to contact us or read our FAQ for common answers.
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