try
Attempt to do something
To do something to see if it works or if you can do it.
to try [to do something]
- 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.
- 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.
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.
to try [something]
- 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.
- Please try this soup.
- She will try the blue dress.
- I want to try that game.
- We can try this bus route.
Judge in a court of law
To have a legal trial for someone in court.
to try [someone] for [a crime]
- The court will try him for theft next week.
- She was tried for fraud and found guilty.
- The judge tried several cases that day.
- The court will try him next month.
- They will try her for the crime.
- He was tried for stealing.
An act of attempting something
When you do something to see if you can do it or if it works.
- Let me have a try at fixing it.
- It’s worth a try, even if it might fail.
- After several tries, she finally succeeded.
- I want to have a try.
- It is my first try at cooking.
- He made one more try.
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.
- He scored two tries in the match.
- That was an incredible try from the winger.
- They won thanks to a last-minute try.
- He scored a try in rugby.
- The team got two tries.
- She made a try at the end of the game.
- Base: try
- Plural: tries
- Base: try
- 3rd Person Singular: tries
- Present Participle: trying
- Past: tried
try and [verb]
1'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.
- Try and get here early tomorrow.
- I’ll try and call you tonight.
try on
1Put on clothes to check fit/appearance
To put on clothes to see if they are the right size or look good.
- She tried on three dresses before choosing one.
- You should try on those shoes before buying them.
try one's best
1Make as much effort as possible
To do as much as you can to succeed at something.
- Don’t worry about winning—just try your best.
- She always tries her best at school.
try out
1Test something for suitability or function
To use something for a short time to see if it works well or if you like it.
- We’re trying out a new recipe tonight.
- He tried out the bike before deciding to buy it.
give it a try
1to attempt doing something once or briefly
To do something once to see if it works or if you like it.
- 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?,