Verb: To try means to make an effort to do something, or to test or sample something to see if it is suitable or enjoyable.
Noun: A try is a single attempt or effort. In rugby union, a try is a score achieved by grounding the ball over the opponent's try line.
What Does Try Mean?
Try comes from Old French trier (to sift, to pick out), which itself derives from Late Latin tritare (to grind, to sort). The word entered Middle English in the 13th century, initially with the sense of separating good from bad. Over time it developed its modern meaning of making an effort or test.
Today, try is one of the twenty most common verbs in English. It appears in everyday conversation, professional writing, academic texts, and sport. Its simplicity makes it an essential word for learners at every level — but its two grammatical patterns (try to do vs try doing) are a classic area of confusion for non-native speakers.
As a verb, try can mean: (1) to make an effort to achieve something (Try to arrive on time); (2) to test or sample something (Try the soup — it's delicious); or (3) to test a person's patience, strength, or character (The long wait tried everyone's patience). In law, try also means to hear a case in court (The case will be tried next month).
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Level | Usage note |
|---|---|---|
| Please try to finish the report by Friday. | A2 | try + to-infinitive — making an effort to achieve something |
| I've never eaten sushi before, but I'd love to try it. | B1 | try + object — sampling or tasting something for the first time |
| If the door is locked, try using the back entrance. | B1 | try + gerund — experimenting with an alternative action |
| Despite several setbacks, she kept trying and eventually secured the contract. | B2 | keep + trying — persisting in making efforts |
| The defendant was tried for fraud and acquitted after a lengthy hearing. | C1 | try (legal) — to hear and judge a case in court |
Collocations
| Collocation | Example |
|---|---|
| try hard | You need to try harder if you want to pass the exam. |
| try again | The connection failed — please try again in a few minutes. |
| try your best / hardest | Just try your best; that is all anyone can ask of you. |
| try out | We are going to try out the new software this week. |
| try on | Could I try this jacket on, please? |
| give something a try | I had never cooked Thai food before, but I decided to give it a try. |
| worth a try | It might not work, but it is certainly worth a try. |
| try your luck | He decided to try his luck at the audition. |
| try your patience | Dealing with the bureaucracy really tried my patience. |
| have a try | I have never skied before — can I have a try? |
Usage Notes
Try to do vs Try doing
Try to do (infinitive): Use this when you are making an effort to achieve a goal. The action may be difficult or uncertain. Try to speak more clearly during the presentation.
Try doing (gerund): Use this when you are experimenting with an action to see whether it produces a desired result. The emphasis is on testing or sampling the action. Try drinking less coffee — it might help you sleep.
A helpful test: if you could replace try with experiment with, use the gerund. If you could replace it with make an effort to, use the infinitive.
Common Mistakes
Watch Out For
I tried to sleeping earlier, but it did not help.
I tried sleeping earlier, but it did not help. (experimenting with an action — use gerund)
She tried doing to call him three times.
She tried to call him three times. (making an effort to achieve a goal — use infinitive)
Let's try for a new approach.
Let's try a new approach. (try + direct object, no preposition needed)