try
gb/tɹˈaɪ/ us/tɹˈaɪ/
A1
English
~ 200
Senses
0 senses
Verb
A1
action
1
Attempt to do something
To do something to see if it works or if you can do it.
Usage pattern:
to try [to do something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'try to do' (make an effort) with 'try doing' (experiment with an action).
Synonyms
attempt (Slightly more formal; used in similar contexts but less common in everyday speech.)
|
endeavor (More formal and literary than 'try'.)
Antonyms
quit (To stop making an effort, opposite of attempting.)
|
avoid (To deliberately not attempt something.)
Collocations
try hard
|try again
|try your best
|try to help
|try new things
Themes
daily life
|work
|self-improvement
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I will try to finish the report by tomorrow.
- She tried to open the jar, but it was stuck.
- They tried calling him several times, but he didn’t answer.
- We should try to be on time for the meeting.
- He tried his best to make her smile.
Learner examples
- I will try to help you.
- Please try to open the door.
- She will try to cook dinner.
- We try to learn new words every day.
Verb
A1
action
2
Test or use something briefly
To use or do something for a short time to see if you like it or if it works well.
Usage pattern:
to try [something]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'try on' (for clothes) with 'try' alone; 'try on' is specific to clothing.
Synonyms
test (More technical; often used in scientific or formal evaluation.)
|
sample (Suggests trying a small amount, especially of food or drink.)
Antonyms
ignore (To not test or experience something.)
Collocations
try food
|try clothes on
|try a product
|try a sport
Themes
shopping
|daily life
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- You should try this cake—it's delicious.
- He tried the new phone before buying it.
- They tried several different paints before choosing one.
- I want to try yoga classes next week.
Learner examples
- Please try this soup.
- She will try the blue dress.
- I want to try that game.
- We can try this bus route.
Verb
B2
action
3
Judge in a court of law
To have a legal trial for someone in court.
Usage pattern:
to try [someone] for [a crime]
Synonyms
prosecute (Focuses on bringing legal action against someone; not exactly the same as presiding over the trial.)
|
hear (In legal context, means to listen to and judge a case.)
Antonyms
acquit (To formally declare someone not guilty after trial.)
Collocations
try a case
|try someone for murder
|court tries
Themes
law
Examples
- The court will try him for theft next week.
- She was tried for fraud and found guilty.
- The judge tried several cases that day.
Learner examples
- The court will try him next month.
- They will try her for the crime.
- He was tried for stealing.
Noun
A2
entity
4
An act of attempting something
When you do something to see if you can do it or if it works.
Synonyms
attempt (More formal but otherwise similar in meaning.)
|
effort (Focuses more on the energy put into the action rather than the action itself.)
Antonyms
neglect (Failure to make any attempt.)
Collocations
give it a try
|first try
|one more try
Themes
daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Let me have a try at fixing it.
- It’s worth a try, even if it might fail.
- After several tries, she finally succeeded.
Learner examples
- I want to have a try.
- It is my first try at cooking.
- He made one more try.
Noun
technical
B1
event
5
Rugby score by grounding ball
In rugby, when a player puts the ball on the ground over the other team's goal line to get points.
Synonyms
touchdown (Similar concept in American football but with different rules.)
Collocations
score a try
|convert a try
Themes
sports
Examples
- He scored two tries in the match.
- That was an incredible try from the winger.
- They won thanks to a last-minute try.
Learner examples
- He scored a try in rugby.
- The team got two tries.
- She made a try at the end of the game.
Grammar
Dictionary form
try
IPA
GB/tɹˈaɪ/
US/tɹˈaɪ/
Syllables & stress
try (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (try)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: try
- Plural: tries
Verb
- Base: try
- 3rd Person Singular: tries
- Present Participle: trying
- Past: tried
Word family
Forms
tries
noun
trying
verb
tried
verb
Core family
trial
noun B1
Related words
retry
verb
Negative and opposite forms
untried
adjective
Expressions
try and [verb]
1/tɹˈaɪ ˈænd vˈɚb/
fixed phrase
informal
'Attempt and then perform' structure with 'and'
'Try and' is used instead of 'try to' in informal speech before another verb, meaning you will attempt that action.
Examples
- Try and get here early tomorrow.
- I’ll try and call you tonight.
try on
1/tɹˈaɪ ˈɔn/
phrasal verb
Put on clothes to check fit/appearance
To put on clothes to see if they are the right size or look good.
Examples
- She tried on three dresses before choosing one.
- You should try on those shoes before buying them.
try one's best
1/tɹˈaɪ wˈʌnz bˈɛst/
fixed phrase
Make as much effort as possible
To do as much as you can to succeed at something.
Examples
- Don’t worry about winning—just try your best.
- She always tries her best at school.
try out
1/tɹˈaɪ ˈaʊt/
phrasal verb
Test something for suitability or function
To use something for a short time to see if it works well or if you like it.
Examples
- We’re trying out a new recipe tonight.
- He tried out the bike before deciding to buy it.
give it a try
1/ɡˈɪv ˈɪt ə tɹˈaɪ/
fixed phrase
to attempt doing something once or briefly
To do something once to see if it works or if you like it.
Examples
- I’ve never played tennis before, but I’ll give it a try.
- I’ve never played tennis, but I’ll give it a try.
- Why not give it a try and see what happens?
- Why not give it a try and see?,