make a try

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a try" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English, and it is often used as a casual way of saying "try to do something." For example, "Let's make a try at solving this difficult math problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

I figured if I'd make a try at it, I'd at least be a footnote in history".

The New York Times - Arts

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

The New Yorker

In the first half, Care brilliantly flipped the ball one-handed behind his back when it looked impossible to prevent it going out to make a try for Matt Hopper.

Independent

Why shouldn't North Korea make a try [to open up] as Vietnam has?" Another item of interest this week: over at the Council on Foreign Relations' Asia Unbound blog, Evan Feigenbaum follows up on China's notably gloomy reaction to the news that it has passed Japan to become the world's second-largest economy.

The New Yorker

"I would have rather seen them get a Terry Bowden or make a try for Steve Spurrier, rather than hire a guy with no head coaching experience," said Michael Reed, a manager of a fast-food restaurant in Starkville and an African-American.

The New York Times - Sports

"Permit us, Monseigneur, of counting upon your indispensable cooperation, be it either to make a try of the measure, or to encompass our Father Ignatius with your solicitude and your good counsels.

University of Chicago

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

He offloads beautifully to Read, but De Allende is across to make a try-saving tackle and force the knock-on.

The Guardian - Sport

Cronk received attention on the sideline early in the second half before returning to make a try-saving tackle on Tyrone Peachey, however he left the field soon after.

The Guardian - Sport

Luke McLean found space to escape down the left touchline before feeding Andrea Masi inside him, Ben Youngs racing back to make a try-saving tackle on his own 22, before Sergio Parisse knocked on after taking quick ball from the subsequent ruck.

BBC

Martins Indi - 6ft 1in and equally stocky - was given that task at Stamford Bridge and did a good job until the 85th minute when, like a rugby forward trying to make a try-saving tackle, he lost his grip of Costa, who punished him with Chelsea's fourth.

BBC

Munster captain Peter O'Mahony then had to make a try-saving tackle on Ruaridh Jackson but the Television Match Official had spotted an off-the-ball tackle by Chris Cloete in the build-up and, with the flanker in the sin bin, the Munster pack were powerless to stop Fagerson from thundering over.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make a try" when you want to express a casual or less formal attempt at something. It can soften the tone compared to more direct alternatives like "attempt".

Common error

While grammatically sound, "make a try" can sound informal. In professional or academic writing, opt for stronger alternatives like "attempt", "endeavor", or "strive" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a try" functions as a verb phrase indicating an attempt or effort to do something. It's often used to express a willingness to undertake a task, as evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a try" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express the act of attempting something. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's important to note that it carries a more casual tone. Therefore, while acceptable in informal conversation and some news contexts, more formal options like "attempt" are generally preferred in professional or academic writing. As Ludwig's examples show, the phrase is versatile but should be used judiciously based on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to do

Focuses on the act of attempting something, emphasizing effort.

give it a shot

An idiomatic expression indicating an attempt with uncertain outcome.

take a stab at

Informal and suggests a tentative attempt.

make an effort

Highlights the exertion of effort in attempting something.

try to achieve

Emphasizes the goal or outcome of the attempt.

venture to do

Implies a degree of risk or uncertainty in the attempt.

undertake an attempt

Formal and emphasizes a structured or planned effort.

have a go at

British English idiom for attempting something.

take a crack at

Suggests a forceful or energetic attempt.

give something a whirl

Implies a quick or experimental attempt.

FAQs

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

You can use "make a try" to express the act of attempting something, as in, "Let's make a try at fixing this old car."

What are some alternatives to "make a try"?

Alternatives include "attempt to do", "give it a shot", or "take a stab at", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "make a try" or "make an attempt"?

"Make an attempt" is generally more formal and widely accepted in various writing styles, while "make a try" is more casual. The best choice depends on your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

When is it appropriate to use "make a try" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "make a try" in informal contexts, such as casual conversations or less formal writing. For academic or professional writing, consider using alternatives like "attempt to do" for a more polished tone.