first tries

USAGE SUMMARY

"first tries" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to refer to the initial attempts or efforts made to do something. For example: - "His first tries at cooking were disastrous, but with practice, he became a skilled chef." - "She made her first tries at painting when she was just a child." - "The company's first tries at expanding into new markets were not successful, but they eventually found success." - "As a new teacher, her first tries at managing a classroom were challenging, but she quickly learned effective techniques."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They were Scotland's first tries at home since November 2009.

The New York Times - Sports

Many important paintings have sketches or first tries — adjusted and reworked — under the final image.

The New York Times

Normally, a clan first tries to obtain vengeance within three weeks.

The New Yorker

If your first tries don't quite measure up to Ansel Adams, don't feel bad.

The New York Times

It's the story of when she first tries to communicate with a human".

The New Yorker

On their first tries, doctors often take three to five hours to hook the wires up.

The New York Times - Health

The first tries were ludicrously soft, but Irish's lead was only 19-12 after 31 minutes.

The Guardian - Sport

The government first tries to exploit him and then banishes him to a notorious prison for blacks.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ani first tries it on with Ray while still under the influence of the MDMA she took at the club.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The dead cousin's overprotective mother (Katharine Hepburn) wants her to have a lobotomy, but a doctor (Montgomery Clift) first tries to discover what happened.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She first tries to "restore" herself to her original (larger) size, but ends up "reducing" so rapidly that her chin hits her foot.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first tries" to describe the initial attempts at a task or activity, especially when emphasizing the learning process or potential for improvement.

Common error

Don't expect perfection on the "first tries". Acknowledge that initial attempts may involve mistakes or require adjustments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first tries" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It references the initial attempts made when undertaking a new task or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

34%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first tries" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression referring to initial attempts at something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific publications. The phrase carries a neutral tone, suitable for both formal and informal communication. Common alternatives include "initial attempts" and "early efforts". When using "first tries", it's helpful to acknowledge that initial attempts may involve imperfections, emphasizing the potential for growth and learning. Be sure not to be overly negative or pessimistic about initial attempts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial attempts

Focuses on the act of starting something, similar to "first tries".

early efforts

Highlights the effort involved in the initial stages.

preliminary attempts

Emphasizes the exploratory nature of the initial attempts.

trial runs

Suggests testing or experimentation in the early stages.

maiden attempts

A more formal way of saying "first tries", often used in specific contexts.

first go

An informal way to say "first tries".

first shot

Idiomatic expression indicating the first opportunity.

initial stabs

Implies a less refined or precise approach to the first attempt.

first crack

Similar to "first shot", suggesting an initial attempt at something.

opening gambits

Suggests a strategic initial move or attempt.

FAQs

How can I use "first tries" in a sentence?

You can use "first tries" to describe initial attempts at something, for example, "His first tries at baking a cake were unsuccessful, but he learned from his mistakes".

What's a good alternative to "first tries"?

Alternatives include "initial attempts", "early efforts", or "preliminary attempts", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "first try" instead of "first tries"?

Both "first try" and "first tries" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "First try" refers to a single attempt, while "first tries" refers to multiple attempts.

What is the difference between "first attempts" and "first tries"?

"First attempts" and "first tries" are largely interchangeable. "First attempts" might sound slightly more formal than "first tries".