16 Alternatives to “Thank You for Trying”
When someone makes an effort to help you, it’s thoughtful to acknowledge their attempt rather than just the outcome.
However, repeatedly saying “thank you for trying” can sound repetitive.
This article explores 16 creative alternatives to spice up how you show appreciation for someone’s effort.
Variations of “Thank You for Trying”
- I appreciate the effort
- Your attempt means a lot
- I’m grateful you gave it a shot
- It was kind of you to try
- I value you taking the time
- Thanks for going out of your way
- I know it wasn’t easy, thanks for trying
- You didn’t have to do that, but thank you
- I recognize the trouble you went through
- I admire your determination to help
- Your good intentions are noteworthy
- I wish it had worked, but thanks anyway
- Thank you for thinking of me and trying your best
- You get an A for effort!
- I know you really put in maximum effort
- I’m thankful you attempted it
Key Takeaways
- “I appreciate you trying” is a warm, universally applicable phrase.
- “Your effort is admirable” keeps a formal tone.
- “Thanks for going the extra mile” is more casual.
The sections below showcase each alternative phrase through example dialogues and sentences.
“I appreciate the effort”
This warm alternative works well in both professional and personal situations.
Example dialogue:
Coworker: I tried pulling that sales report for you, but don’t have access. Sorry about that!
You: I appreciate the effort – thanks for trying. I’ll reach out to IT to get the access issue resolved.
Example sentence: I appreciate the effort you put in to get the proposal done on time, even if it wasn’t fully complete.
“Your attempt means a lot”
This thoughtful phrase focuses on how meaningful their attempt was rather than just the outcome.
Example dialogue:
Partner: I tried to get reservations at that new restaurant you wanted to try, but they were totally booked up.
You: Your attempt means a lot – thank you for trying. We’ll try again another night.
Example sentence: Your attempt to surprise me with concert tickets means so much, even though they were sold out. Thank you for trying.
“I’m grateful you gave it a shot”
This casual phrase works well for low-stakes situations among friends.
Example dialogue:
Friend: I tried to fix your sink while you were out, but that just made it worse. Sorry!
You: I’m grateful you gave it a shot – thanks for trying! No worries, I’ll call a plumber.
Example sentence: I know you don’t love chess, but I’m grateful you gave it a shot since it means a lot to me. Thanks for trying.
“It was kind of you to try”
This polite phrase emphasizes their kindness and good intentions behind the attempt.
Example dialogue:
Coworker: I tried submitting your reimbursement form before the deadline, but it got denied for missing information. So sorry about that!
You: It was kind of you to try – I appreciate you taking the time. I’ll get it sorted out and resubmit.
Example sentence: It was kind of you to try to make it to my event last night, even though you got stuck working late. I’m grateful you made the effort.
“I value you taking the time”
This thoughtful alternative focuses on how you value their time and effort spent trying.
Example dialogue:
Partner: I tried looking up that recipe you wanted to try, but couldn’t find it anywhere.
You: I value you taking the time – thank you for trying. We can keep searching for it together.
Example sentence: I value you taking the time out of your busy weekend to try to fix my computer – thanks for making the effort.
“Thanks for going out of your way”
This phrase emphasizes your appreciation for their extra effort.
Example dialogue:
Coworker: I tried to get the customer service rep to refund your account, but they wouldn’t budge. I’m so sorry!
You: Thanks for going out of your way to try – I really appreciate you making that effort on my behalf.
Example sentence: Thanks for going out of your way after work to try to pick me up medicine – it was so thoughtful of you to make that extra effort.
“I know it wasn’t easy, thanks for trying”
This phrase acknowledges the difficulty of their attempt.
Example dialogue:
Partner: I tried reading that book you recommended, but honestly it was over my head.
You: I know getting through it wasn’t easy – thanks for trying! We can find something lighter to read together.
Example sentence: I know trying to learn chess wasn’t easy for you, but thanks for trying – it means a lot you made that effort for me.
“You didn’t have to do that, but thank you”
This phrase graciously acknowledges they went above and beyond expectations.
Example dialogue:
Coworker: I tried pulling together some visuals for your presentation since I know you’ve been swamped. They didn’t turn out great, my apologies!
You: You didn’t have to do that, but thank you for trying – it was kind of you to offer your help. I’ll take it from here.
Example sentence: You didn’t have to try to plan a birthday party for me, but thank you for trying – your intention to celebrate me is so thoughtful.
“I recognize the trouble you went through”
This phrase acknowledges the inconvenience of their attempt.
Example dialogue:
Partner: I tried getting your computer fixed this week, but the repair shop didn’t have the right parts.
You: I recognize the trouble you went through – thank you for trying, I appreciate your effort.
Example sentence: I recognize the trouble you went through to try and get us reservations – even though the restaurant was booked, I’m grateful you attempted it.
“I admire your determination to help”
This formal phrase praises their perseverance and resolve.
Example dialogue:
Coworker: I tried several times to get in touch with our vendor contact, but had no luck reaching him.
You: I admire your determination to help – thank you for trying all avenues. Let me know if you need any support following up.
Example sentence: I admire your determination to help me move last weekend, even though my apartment had those tricky stairs. Thank you for trying despite the challenges.
“Your good intentions are noteworthy”
This polite phrase focuses on the thoughtfulness behind their attempt.
Example dialogue:
Friend: I tried baking your favorite cookie recipe for the party, but they came out burnt.
You: Your good intentions are noteworthy – thank you for trying to add a personal touch. The effort alone means so much.
Example sentence: Your good intentions to throw me a birthday party are noteworthy – even though it got cancelled last minute, thank you for trying.
“I wish it had worked, but thanks anyway”
This phrase politely acknowledges the outcome while still being appreciative.
Example dialogue:
Coworker: I tried sending the file over, but it seems too large for email. Sorry I couldn’t get it to you!
You: I wish it had worked, but thanks for trying to send it anyway. We’ll find another way to transfer the file.
Example sentence: I wish your computer fix had worked, but thanks for trying anyway – I appreciate you taking the time to attempt it.
“Thank you for thinking of me and trying your best”
This warm phrase focuses on both their consideration and effort.
Example dialogue:
Partner: I tried to recreate our special anniversary dinner, but just couldn’t do it justice. I feel bad!
You: Thank you for thinking of me and trying your best – your intention to celebrate our memories means the world.
Example sentence: Thank you for thinking of me and trying your best to make it to my performance last night, even though you couldn’t get out of work. I’m grateful you wanted to be there.
“You get an A for effort!”
This lighthearted phrase praises their attempt in a casual way.
Example dialogue:
Friend: I tried to put together a cute picnic for us, but it started downpouring. Raincheck?
You: You get an A for effort! Thanks for trying to plan a nice day – rain just has bad timing.
Example sentence: You get an A for effort for attempting to bake me a cake from scratch for my birthday! It came out a bit messy but it’s the thought that counts.
“I know you really put in maximum effort”
This phrase emphasizes recognition of their hard work and exertion.
Example dialogue:
Coworker: I tried everything I could think of to get the system back online, but no luck. I feel like I let you down!
You: I know you really put in maximum effort – thank you for trying every solution you could. We’ll work together to fix this.
Example sentence: I know you really put in maximum effort to try and get the stain out of my clothes. I appreciate you trying every trick even though it didn’t budge.
“I’m thankful you attempted it”
This simple phrase expresses gratitude for their good-faith try.
Example dialogue:
Friend: I tried to find a replacement for that book I borrowed from you but it’s out of print. Let me know if there’s anything else I can try!
You: I’m thankful you attempted it – thanks for making the effort to replace it. No worries, it happens.
Example sentence: I’m thankful you attempted to fix my leaky faucet – even though it started dripping again, I appreciate you making the effort.
Is “Thank You for Trying” Correct?
The phrase “thank you for trying” is very common and perfectly acceptable for acknowledging someone’s effort. However, having a range of alternatives makes your appreciation sound more genuine and thoughtful. Varying your responses based on the situation helps show the person you recognize the specifics of what they attempted.
Example sentences:
“I appreciate the effort you put into the proposal, even though we didn’t get the account.”
“Your determination to solve this is admirable. Thank you for trying every solution.”
In summary, “thank you for trying” is fine, but switching up your phrasing allows you to tailor how you convey gratitude for attempts, regardless of the outcome. Expand your expressions to find the perfect fit.
