When you write a complaint resolution message, one of the most important things to communicate is what you have already done to solve the problem. Saying what you tried already shows the other person that you are not making a lazy complaint. It proves you took reasonable steps before asking for help. This guide gives you the exact phrases, tone tips, and sentence patterns you need to explain your previous efforts clearly and politely in English.
Quick Answer: How to Say What You Tried Already
Use past tense verbs like tried, attempted, contacted, checked, or followed to describe your actions. Start with a clear time reference such as yesterday, earlier today, or last week. Then state the action and the result. For example: I tried restarting the device yesterday, but the error still appears. Keep your tone factual and calm. Avoid sounding angry or blaming the other person.
Why Saying What You Tried Matters
In complaint resolution messages, the person reading your message wants to know two things: what is wrong, and what you have already done about it. If you skip the second part, they may ask you to try basic steps that you already completed. This wastes time and can make you feel frustrated. By clearly stating your previous attempts, you help the reader move directly to a real solution.
For example, if you write My internet is not working, the support team might reply with Please restart your router. But if you write I restarted my router twice and checked all cable connections, but the internet is still down, they know you already tried those steps. They can then offer a more advanced fix.
Key Phrases for Describing Previous Attempts
Here are the most useful sentence starters for explaining what you tried already. Each phrase works in both email and conversation, but the tone changes slightly.
Formal Phrases (Best for Email or Written Complaints)
- I have already attempted to … – Use this for a polite, professional tone. Example: I have already attempted to reset the password using the link provided.
- I previously tried … – This sounds calm and factual. Example: I previously tried contacting your billing department by phone.
- Despite my efforts to … – This shows you made an effort. Example: Despite my efforts to follow the troubleshooting guide, the issue remains.
- I took the following steps: … – Use this to list multiple actions clearly. Example: I took the following steps: checked the power cable, restarted the unit, and updated the software.
Informal Phrases (Best for Chat or Casual Conversation)
- I already tried … – Simple and direct. Example: I already tried turning it off and on again.
- I did … but it didn’t work. – Very common in spoken English. Example: I did the update, but it didn’t work.
- I’ve been trying to … – Shows ongoing effort. Example: I’ve been trying to log in for the past hour.
- Nothing I tried helped. – Use this when you want to emphasize that you are out of ideas. Example: Nothing I tried helped, so I’m reaching out to you.
Comparison Table: Formal vs. Informal Language for Previous Attempts
| Situation | Formal Phrase | Informal Phrase |
|---|---|---|
| Restarting a device | I have already attempted to restart the device. | I already tried restarting it. |
| Contacting support | I previously contacted your team via email. | I called earlier, but no one answered. |
| Following instructions | Despite my efforts to follow the manual, the problem persists. | I did what the manual said, but it didn’t help. |
| Checking settings | I have checked all relevant settings as advised. | I checked the settings, but nothing changed. |
| Using a feature | I attempted to use the refund feature on your website. | I tried the refund button, but it didn’t work. |
Natural Examples
Read these examples to see how real complaint resolution messages sound when you include what you tried already.
Example 1: Email to a Software Company
Dear Support Team,
I am writing about the login error I have been experiencing since yesterday. I have already attempted to reset my password twice using the link sent to my email. I also cleared my browser cache and tried using a different browser. However, the error message still appears. Please advise on the next steps.
Thank you,
Maria
Example 2: Chat Message to an Online Store
Hi, I ordered a jacket last week, but it hasn’t arrived yet. I already checked the tracking number you sent, and it says “delivered,” but I didn’t receive anything. I also asked my neighbors if they took the package. Can you help me check what happened?
Example 3: Phone Call to a Bank
Hello, I’m calling because my card was declined at the store today. I already tried using it at two different machines, and both times it was declined. I also checked my account balance online, and I have enough funds. Can you tell me why this is happening?
Common Mistakes
English learners often make these mistakes when describing what they tried. Avoid them to sound more natural and clear.
Mistake 1: Using Present Tense Instead of Past Tense
Wrong: I try to call you, but no one answers.
Right: I tried to call you, but no one answered.
When you describe an action you already did, use past tense. Present tense sounds like you are still doing it or describing a habit.
Mistake 2: Forgetting to Mention the Result
Wrong: I restarted my computer.
Right: I restarted my computer, but the problem continued.
Always add what happened after your attempt. This tells the reader whether your action worked or not.
Mistake 3: Using Angry or Blaming Language
Wrong: I already did everything you told me, and it still doesn’t work! Your instructions are useless.
Right: I followed the instructions you provided, but unfortunately the issue is still there.
Stay calm and factual. Blaming the other person makes them less willing to help you.
Mistake 4: Being Too Vague
Wrong: I tried some things, but nothing worked.
Right: I tried restarting the app and reinstalling it, but the error still appears.
Be specific about what you tried. Vague descriptions force the reader to ask for more details.
Better Alternatives for Common Phrases
Sometimes the first phrase that comes to mind is not the most effective. Here are better alternatives to use in complaint resolution messages.
| Avoid This Phrase | Better Alternative | When to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| I did it already. | I have already completed that step. | When you want to sound more professional and clear. |
| It didn’t work. | Unfortunately, that did not resolve the issue. | When you want to be polite and avoid sounding negative. |
| I tried everything. | I have tried the following steps: [list steps]. | When you want to show exactly what you did. |
| You didn’t help. | I followed your previous advice, but the problem remains. | When you want to remind them without blaming. |
| I don’t know what to do. | I am unsure what to try next. | When you want to ask for help without sounding helpless. |
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding with these four questions. Write your answers in English, then check the suggested answers below.
Question 1
You tried to update an app, but the update failed. Write one sentence explaining what you tried and what happened.
Suggested answer: I tried to update the app, but the download stopped at 50% and failed.
Question 2
You called customer service twice yesterday, but no one answered. Write a formal sentence for an email.
Suggested answer: I attempted to contact your customer service team twice yesterday, but no one answered my calls.
Question 3
You followed the instructions in an email, but the problem is still there. Write an informal sentence for a chat message.
Suggested answer: I did what you said in the email, but the problem is still there.
Question 4
You checked your internet connection, restarted your router, and tried a different device. Write a sentence that lists all three actions.
Suggested answer: I checked my internet connection, restarted my router, and tried a different device, but none of these solved the issue.
FAQ: Saying What You Tried in Complaint Resolution Messages
1. Should I always mention what I tried before complaining?
Yes, in most cases. It shows you are reasonable and have already made an effort. The only exception is when the problem is very obvious, like a broken product that arrived damaged. In that case, you can simply describe the damage without listing attempts.
2. How many attempts should I mention?
Mention two or three specific attempts. Listing too many can make your message long and confusing. Focus on the most relevant steps you took. If you tried ten different things, pick the three that are most logical.
3. What if I didn’t try anything yet?
If you haven’t tried anything, be honest. Say something like I am not sure what to try first. Could you guide me? This is better than pretending you tried something. The reader will appreciate your honesty and give you clear instructions.
4. Can I use the same phrase in email and conversation?
Some phrases work in both, but adjust the formality. For email, use phrases like I have already attempted or I previously tried. For conversation, use simpler phrases like I already tried or I did that, but it didn’t help. Matching the tone to the situation makes you sound more natural.
Final Tips for Writing About Your Previous Efforts
When you write a complaint resolution message, remember these key points. First, use past tense verbs to describe your actions. Second, always include the result of your attempt. Third, be specific about what you did. Fourth, keep your tone polite and factual. Fifth, choose formal or informal language based on who you are writing to.
Practice writing short sentences about things you tried recently. For example, write about a time you tried to fix a household item or solve a computer issue. The more you practice, the more natural these phrases will feel. For more help with the first part of your complaint message, visit our Complaint Resolution Message Starters section. If you need to make polite requests after explaining your attempts, check our Complaint Resolution Message Polite Requests guide. You can also explore more examples in our Complaint Resolution Message Problem Explanations category. For additional support, see our FAQ page or contact us directly.
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