tried: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
A1All registers – common in spoken and written English.
Quick answer
What does “tried” mean?
Past tense and past participle of 'try' – to make an attempt or effort to do something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Past tense and past participle of 'try' – to make an attempt or effort to do something.
Also used as an adjective meaning 'tested and proven reliable'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal difference in core meaning. UK English might favour 'tried and tested' while US English often uses 'tried and true'.
Connotations
As an adjective, positive connotation of reliability.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “tried” in a Sentence
Subject + tried + to-infinitiveSubject + tried + -ing formSubject + tried + (for) + noun phraseSubject + tried + objectVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tried” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She tried to fix the computer before calling an engineer.
- We tried booking online, but the system was down.
- He was tried for fraud at the Old Bailey.
American English
- He tried to start the car, but the battery was dead.
- I tried calling, but got voicemail.
- The suspect was tried in a federal court.
adjective
British English
- This is a tried and tested solution for the problem.
- He is a tried member of the team.
American English
- We need a tried and true method for this project.
- She is one of our most tried employees.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
A tried and tested method for increasing productivity.
Academic
The researcher tried several approaches before achieving a valid result.
Everyday
I tried calling you but your phone was switched off.
Technical
The software has been tried on multiple platforms.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tried”
- She tried to called me. (incorrect infinitive) -> She tried to call me.
- I have tried many times to fix it.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, as the past form of 'try', but it is also used as an adjective meaning 'reliable'.
'Tried to do' focuses on the attempt, often unsuccessful. 'Tried doing' focuses on the action as an experiment or test.
It is predominant in American English, while 'tried and tested' is more common in British English, though both are understood.
Yes, e.g., 'He was tried and convicted of the crime,' meaning he was subjected to a judicial trial.
Past tense and past participle of 'try' – to make an attempt or effort to do something.
Tried is usually all registers – common in spoken and written english. in register.
Tried: in British English it is pronounced /traɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /traɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “tried and tested (UK)/tried and true (US)”
- “tried in the fire”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
TRIED = To Re-attempt an Intended Endeavour Definitively.
Conceptual Metaphor
EFFORT IS A TEST (He tried his hand at cooking; The tried soldier).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'tried' mean in the phrase 'a tried friend'?