0
Anonymous Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Is this correct?

I was trying to reach out to you through phone at 11 AM but couldn’t avail you then.

Is the above sentence correct? Is it too formal? It is an email content.

Thanks.
  

Top answer

It sounds odd in AmE. I was trying to reach you by phone at 11 AM but couldn’t. )

— Mister Micawber

  • It sounds odd in AmE.
  • I was trying to reach you by phone at 11 AM but couldn’t.
  • )
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

4 Answers
0
It sounds odd in AmE.

I was trying to reach you by phone at 11 AM but couldn’t.

('Avail' seems the wrong verb, but you don't need any.)
0
0
You made the sentence very simple and precise!

I wish I can avoid all that unnecessary words in future. I used "couldn't avail" to mean that by the time I was calling, the person on the other end didn't pick the call.

Is that not correct to use that there?

I was trying to reach you by phone at 11 AM but couldn’t.
Does that mean, I ca
0
0
I used "couldn't avail" to mean that by the time I was calling, the person on the other end didn't pick the call. Is that not correct to use that there?-- It does not sound so to me.

I was trying to reach you by phone at 11 AM but couldn’t.
Does that mean, I called you but you didn't answer? -- It doesn't explain the problem exactly. Pr
0
0
I am humbled by all your help Emotion: smile

And I like the way you changed "pick the call" to "answer" which sounds more natural.
0

Related Questions