on your first try

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on your first try" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to successfully completing a task or achieving something on the first attempt. Example: "Congratulations on solving the puzzle on your first try! That's quite impressive."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Make sure one of your leg is on the other, at least on your first try.

WikiHow

You went to Rada after all the drama colleges had turned you down on your first try.

The Guardian

There is no game plan for the final eighth of a mile in the Kentucky Derby, particularly on your first try, other than keeping your wits.

The New Yorker

You're not supposed to be so successful, so young, especially not on your first try.

Forbes

Worse, Microsoft doesn't always give you everything you need on your first try.

Forbes

Don't assume you will hit the center of the target on your first try.

Huffington Post

I proved that with my second startup -- I hope you will succeed on your first try.

Huffington Post

Do not think that you would succeed on your first try.

Huffington Post

How lowering your standards can help you achieve perfection on your first try.

Huffington Post

You won't always get it on your first try, though.

WikiHow

Don't get frustrated on your first try, it's not easy.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on your first try" to encourage persistence and manage expectations, especially when describing challenging tasks. For instance, when teaching a new skill, let people know that mastering it may not happen "on your first try".

Common error

Avoid using "on your first try" when describing something that requires significant expertise or practice. Doing so can set unrealistic expectations and lead to discouragement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on your first try" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that something is attempted or achieved during the initial attempt. Ludwig shows that it is commonly used to manage expectations or provide encouragement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

63%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on your first try" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to refer to an initial attempt at something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its purpose is to manage expectations, offer encouragement, or acknowledge a first-time success. Predominantly found in informal contexts like WikiHow guides and news articles, the phrase suggests that immediate success may or may not be guaranteed. When using "on your first try", it's crucial to set realistic goals and avoid overpromising results. Consider alternatives like "at your initial attempt" for a more formal tone or simply “"at the first attempt"”. Remember, practice and persistence often lead to mastery, even if it's not achieved "on your first try".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the first try

Omits the possessive pronoun.

at your initial attempt

Replaces "try" with the more formal "attempt" and "first" with "initial".

at the first attempt

Similar to 'at your initial attempt' but with less possessive.

on the first go

Uses the more informal "go" instead of "try".

upon your first try

Uses the more formal preposition "upon" instead of "on".

on your initial endeavor

Substitutes "try" with the more formal "endeavor".

successfully on your first attempt

Adds emphasis on the success of the initial attempt.

the very first time

Emphasizes the uniqueness of the "first time".

at the first opportunity

Focuses on the timing of the event.

right away

Implies immediate success without explicitly mentioning the first try.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "on your first try" to sound more formal?

You can use more formal alternatives such as "at your initial attempt" or "on the first attempt" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify "on your first try" when referring to an initial attempt?

No, you don't always need to specify it. You can simply say "on your try" or "at your attempt" if the context makes it clear that you are referring to the first attempt.

What does it mean when someone says, "Don't expect to get it on your first try?"

It means that the task is likely challenging and may require multiple attempts to achieve success. It's a way of managing expectations and encouraging perseverance.

What are some other ways to encourage someone who didn't succeed on their first try?

You can say things like, "Keep practicing", "Try again", "Don't give up", or "It takes practice".