Meaning
To make an attempt to do something new or difficult.
Cultural Background
In the US, 'give it a try' is often linked to the 'entrepreneurial spirit.' Failure is seen as a stepping stone to success, so people are frequently encouraged to 'give it a try' even with very little experience. While 'give it a try' is common, the British often prefer 'give it a go.' There is a cultural value placed on 'having a go' regardless of the outcome, often with a sense of modesty or 'muddling through.' The concept of 'Ganbatte' (do your best) is related. While 'give it a try' is more about the attempt, the Japanese equivalent often carries a stronger sense of social obligation to persevere. Australians use 'give it a burl' as a slang variation. It reflects the 'fair go' culture where everyone deserves a chance to try something.
Use it to be polite
If you want to say 'no' to something, you can say 'I'll give it a try later' to be polite, even if you don't plan to do it immediately.
Don't forget the 'a'
Saying 'give it try' is a very common mistake. Always include 'a'.
Meaning
To make an attempt to do something new or difficult.
Use it to be polite
If you want to say 'no' to something, you can say 'I'll give it a try later' to be polite, even if you don't plan to do it immediately.
Don't forget the 'a'
Saying 'give it try' is a very common mistake. Always include 'a'.
The 'It' replacement
You can replace 'it' with any noun. 'Give this recipe a try' sounds much more natural than 'Try this recipe' in casual conversation.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
I've never used a Mac before, but I'm willing to _____ it a try.
The idiom is always 'give it a try.'
Choose the best response to encourage your friend.
Friend: 'I'm scared to speak English in the shop.' You: 'Don't be scared! Just _______.'
This is the most natural and grammatically correct way to encourage someone.
Match the sentence to the correct situation.
'I gave the new recipe a try, but I burnt the cake.'
A 'recipe' is used in cooking.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct option:
The structure is 'give [object] a try.'
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to Give it a Try
Food
- • New snacks
- • Spicy dishes
- • Local fruit
Hobbies
- • Painting
- • Yoga
- • Coding
Problems
- • Fixing a toy
- • New app
- • Puzzle
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI've never used a Mac before, but I'm willing to _____ it a try.
The idiom is always 'give it a try.'
Friend: 'I'm scared to speak English in the shop.' You: 'Don't be scared! Just _______.'
This is the most natural and grammatically correct way to encourage someone.
'I gave the new recipe a try, but I burnt the cake.'
A 'recipe' is used in cooking.
Select the correct option:
The structure is 'give [object] a try.'
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, 'try' must be a noun in this idiom. Use 'Give it a try.'
Yes, they are almost identical. 'Give it a shot' is slightly more informal and common in the US.
Yes, it's great for suggesting new ideas or pilot projects in a friendly way.
The past tense is 'gave it a try.' For example: 'I gave it a try yesterday.'
Not usually. You give *activities* or *things* a try. For people, you might say 'Give him a chance.'
Related Phrases
Give it a shot
synonymTo try something, often something difficult or unlikely to succeed.
Give it a go
synonymTo attempt something.
Give it up
contrastTo stop trying or to quit.
Give it a whirl
similarTo try something for the first time in a playful way.
