Jack tried not to feel his heart race at the other man's words.

Jack tried very hard not to look at his watch.

Jack had been trying for a year to get you to come.

Jack ran to the back door and tried to open it.

Jack always tried to act as if things were not important.

But Jack might as well have tried to stop the wind.

Jack tried to see as best he could from the head of the table.

Jack tried to think of something else to ask, but for the moment nothing came to mind.

Jack went to the window and tried to open it.

Jack was also trying to get his affairs in order.