Explanation at your level:
When you try something, you do it to see if you like it. You can try to run fast. You can try a new food. It is a good word to use when you are learning!
You use try when you want to do a task. 'I will try to finish my homework.' You can also use it to test things. 'I will try this shirt on.' It is very common in daily life.
In this level, you start using try with gerunds. 'Why don't you try eating more vegetables?' This means experimenting. It is a helpful way to give suggestions to your friends or colleagues.
At the B2 level, you understand the nuance between try to and try -ing. 'I tried to open the door' (I made an effort) versus 'I tried opening the door' (I experimented with that action). This distinction is vital for precision.
Advanced users use try in more abstract ways, such as 'trying' a case in court or 'trying' one's luck. It appears in formal contexts where the effort is significant or the outcome is uncertain. You might also encounter it in literary descriptions of internal struggle.
At the mastery level, you recognize the etymological depth of try. It connects to the legal concept of a 'trial' and the historical process of 'refining.' You can use it to describe complex human endeavors where the process of attempting is as important as the result.
Word in 30 Seconds
- It means to make an effort.
- It can mean to test something.
- It is a very common verb.
- It has a simple past 'tried'.
The word try is one of the most versatile verbs in the English language. At its core, it means to make an effort to do something, even if you are not sure you will succeed. It is about the act of starting or attempting, rather than just the final result.
You can use it in many different contexts. For example, you might try to learn a new language, or you might try a new flavor of ice cream. In both cases, you are engaging with something new. It is a very friendly and encouraging word because it focuses on the process of growth and discovery.
The word try has a fascinating history that dates back to the 13th century. It comes from the Old French word trier, which meant to sift or to separate. Back then, it was mostly used in the context of separating wheat from chaff or testing the quality of metals.
Over the centuries, the meaning shifted from the physical act of testing or sifting to the more abstract idea of making an effort. It is closely related to the word trial, which also shares these roots. It is a great example of how a word can evolve from a very specific, physical action into a broad, everyday concept.
Using try is straightforward, but it has two main grammatical patterns. You can say try to do something, which emphasizes the effort, or try doing something, which often implies experimenting with a new method.
Common collocations include try your best, try again, and worth a try. It is used in almost every register, from casual conversations with friends to formal business proposals. Because it is so common, it is a staple for any English learner.
Give it a shot: To attempt something. Example: 'I've never played golf, but I'll give it a shot.'
Try one's patience: To annoy someone. Example: 'The noisy children really tried my patience today.'
Nice try!: A sarcastic way to say someone failed. Example: 'You thought you could trick me? Nice try!'
Try on for size: To test an idea. Example: 'Let's try that plan on for size and see if it works.'
Try your hand at: To attempt a new activity. Example: 'I want to try my hand at pottery this weekend.'
The verb try is regular, meaning its past tense is tried. When adding suffixes, remember the rule: change the 'y' to 'i' before adding 'ed' or 'es'.
The pronunciation is /traɪ/ in both American and British English. It rhymes with words like sky, fly, cry, buy, and sigh. The stress is always on the single syllable, making it a very punchy and clear word to say.
Fun Fact
Originally related to sifting grain.
Pronunciation Guide
Rhymes with 'eye'.
Rhymes with 'eye'.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing as 'tree'
- Adding an extra syllable
- Confusing 'i' sound
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
easy
easy
easy
easy
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Infinitive verbs
Try to go.
Gerunds
Try going.
Past tense spelling
Tried.
Examples by Level
I try to read.
I make an effort to read.
Verb + to infinitive.
Try this apple.
Taste this apple.
Imperative.
He tries hard.
He works hard.
Third person singular.
We try again.
We do it a second time.
Simple present.
Did you try?
Did you make an effort?
Past question.
I will try.
I will make an effort.
Future tense.
Try the juice.
Drink the juice.
Imperative.
They try to win.
They want to win.
Verb + to infinitive.
I tried to call you.
Please try to be quiet.
She tried a new recipe.
We should try to go.
Don't try to lie.
I tried on the shoes.
Try to arrive early.
It is worth a try.
I tried fixing the sink.
He is trying to improve.
Try not to worry.
They tried their best.
I will try to help.
Have you tried yoga?
It is worth trying.
Try to keep calm.
She tried to justify her actions.
I tried calling him, but no answer.
Trying to please everyone is hard.
We tried out the new software.
He tried his luck at cards.
Try to look on the bright side.
The judge tried the case.
I'm trying to make sense of this.
He tried to reconcile the differences.
She tried to mitigate the risks.
The team tried to implement the strategy.
They tried to maintain composure.
I tried to discern the truth.
He tried to articulate his feelings.
The situation tried his patience.
They tried to navigate the complex system.
The ordeal tried his spirit.
She tried the metal for impurities.
The jury tried the defendant.
They tried to fathom the mystery.
He tried to reconcile his beliefs.
The process tried the limits of the machine.
She tried to quell her fears.
They tried to uphold the tradition.
Synonyms
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"Give it a shot"
To attempt something
I'll give it a shot.
casual"Try one's patience"
To annoy
This noise tries my patience.
neutral"Nice try"
Sarcastic failure
Nice try, but I know the truth.
casual"Try on for size"
Test an idea
Try that plan on for size.
neutral"Try your hand at"
Start a new hobby
Try your hand at painting.
neutral"Try someone's soul"
Test someone's spirit
The tragedy tried his soul.
literaryEasily Confused
Both mean to try.
Attempt is more formal.
I attempted the exam.
Both imply effort.
Strive is for long-term goals.
I strive for success.
Both can mean to check.
Test is for quality.
Test the product.
Both involve trying.
Experiment is scientific.
Experiment with data.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + try + to + verb
I try to sleep.
Subject + try + noun
Try the cake.
Subject + try + verb-ing
Try running.
Subject + try + object + to + verb
Try him to see.
Subject + try + one's + best
Try your best.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
10
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Infinitive follows 'try to'.
No preposition needed.
Irregular spelling rule.
Infinitive is required.
Transitive verb usage.
Tips
Rhyme Time
Remember 'Try' rhymes with 'Sky'.
Daily Use
Use it when you are unsure.
Sports
A 'try' is a score in rugby.
Infinitive
Always use 'to' after try.
Clear Vowels
Keep the 'i' sound long.
Watch the 'y'
Change 'y' to 'i' in past.
History
It meant to sift grain.
Flashcards
Use sentences, not words.
Nuance
Try to vs Try -ing.
Encouragement
It is a positive word.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Try to fly high!
Visual Association
A person reaching for a star.
Word Web
Challenge
Use 'try' in three sentences today.
Word Origin
Old French
Original meaning: To sift or separate
Cultural Context
None
Used frequently in sports and daily life.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At school
- Try to finish
- Try again
- Try hard
At work
- Try the system
- Try a new approach
- Try to solve
At home
- Try this food
- Try to relax
- Try on clothes
In sports
- Try to win
- Try your best
- Try a new move
Conversation Starters
"What is something you want to try?"
"Do you try to learn new things?"
"Have you ever tried a new sport?"
"Why is it important to try?"
"What is the hardest thing you've tried?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you tried something new.
Describe a goal you are trying to reach.
Why do people stop trying?
How does trying make you feel?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, it is regular.
No, that is incorrect.
Tried.
It is neutral.
Yes, in some contexts.
Like 'eye'.
It can be, in sports like rugby.
Yes, 'try this'.
Test Yourself
I ___ to learn English.
Simple present.
Which means to test?
Try can mean test.
Try to do and try doing mean the same.
They have different nuances.
Word
Meaning
Phrasal verbs.
Try your best.
Score: /5
Summary
Trying is the first step toward success.
- It means to make an effort.
- It can mean to test something.
- It is a very common verb.
- It has a simple past 'tried'.
Rhyme Time
Remember 'Try' rhymes with 'Sky'.
Daily Use
Use it when you are unsure.
Sports
A 'try' is a score in rugby.
Infinitive
Always use 'to' after try.
Example
Try your best.
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