a try for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a try for" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It can be used in informal contexts to express an attempt to achieve something, but it is better to use more conventional phrases. Example: "I decided to give a try for the championship title this year."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Gerald Arasa scored a try for Saracens.

The Guardian - Sport

Yannick Caballero scored a try for Castres and Pierre Bernard kicked a conversion and a penalty.

Independent

Ben Foden replied with a try for England after five minutes.

The New York Times - Sports

She was passed over in a try for a minor post in House leadership.

The New York Times

He set up a try for Dagg and nailed the conversion.

The Guardian - Sport

But we have to at least give it a try, for the kids' sake".

The New York Times

Lamb's cross kick seized on the impressive Thompstone made a try for Steve Mafi in the 47th minute.

Independent

Lamb's cross kick seized on by the impressive Thompstone made a try for Steve Mafi in the 47th minute.

Independent

— He won't ask you anything about yourself but worth a try for one of his amusing rants.

The New Yorker

I knew that you were going around with somebody, but I thought, Well, make a try for it".

The New Yorker

The 16th player to score a try for the Namibians in a World Cup match, which averages one per match.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a try for", consider if a more precise or formal alternative like "an attempt at" or "a bid for" might be more suitable for your context.

Common error

Avoid using "a try for" in academic papers or professional reports where more formal language is expected. Opt for options like "an attempt at" or "an effort toward" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a try for" is that of a noun phrase acting as an object of a verb or preposition. As exemplified by Ludwig, it's often used after verbs like "give", "make", or "worth" to indicate an attempt or effort towards something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a try for" is a common expression used to indicate an attempt or effort toward a specific goal. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig AI notes it can sometimes sound awkward in formal contexts, where alternatives like "an attempt at" might be more appropriate. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, with a neutral to informal register. When writing, consider the context and audience to determine if a more precise or formal alternative would be a better choice. Ultimately, "a try for" effectively conveys the intention to make an effort, but its suitability depends on the specific writing situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an attempt at

Focuses more directly on the act of attempting, suitable for formal contexts.

a shot at

Offers a slightly more casual and direct way of expressing an attempt.

an effort toward

Highlights the dedication and work put into achieving something.

a crack at

Denotes a colloquial and less formal attempt.

a stab at

Indicates a less serious or skilled attempt.

a go at

Represents a casual, often lighthearted attempt.

a bid for

Suggests a competitive or formal attempt, often in the context of winning something.

an undertaking for

Emphasizes the commitment to start a specific project

a pursuit of

Implies a longer-term dedication to achieve a goal.

a venture into

Refers to starting in a new opportunity, with a sense of risk

FAQs

What does "a try for" mean?

The expression "a try for" signifies making an attempt or effort towards achieving something. It implies taking action to reach a particular goal or outcome.

When is it appropriate to use "a try for"?

It's suitable for informal contexts, suggesting a casual attempt. In more formal settings, consider alternatives like "an attempt at" or "a bid for".

How can I use "a try for" in a sentence?

You can use "a try for" to describe someone making an effort. For example, "I'll give it "a try for" the next few days".

What are some similar phrases to "a try for"?

Alternatives include "a shot at", "a stab at", or "an attempt at". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.