try

USAGE SUMMARY

"try" is a correct and usable word in written English
You can use it when you want to express the concept of making an effort or attempt, such as "I will try my best to get the job done on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Film

Tech

Business

Travel

Opinion

Arts

Money

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I try not to think about it too much.

The New York Times

Try it.

The New York Times

To try to close down that debate prematurely is both arrogant and plain wrong".

The Guardian

It is Alice in Wonderland territory, Orwellian almost, for any government of any political persuasion to seek to come along and try to rewrite the lexicon.

The New York Times

Try it sometime.

The New York Times - Sports

Try to keep up.

The Guardian

Well, Daiches, now deceased, would have a pleasant surprise if he could try the Nikka Pure Malt Black, a blend from Taketsuru's two distilleries.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When asked if he would read the currently unreleased pages into the congressional record, Paul demurred and said "we're going to try the normal legislative procedure first and see how that goes".

The Guardian

The star-crossed lovers take drugs, try to pass exams, get involved with student politics.

The Guardian - Film

They try to keep it hidden as much as they can.

The Guardian - Film

"We're all using all of the different networks and contacts that we have to try to bring about some kind of shift in the situation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "try" followed by an infinitive, ensure that the infinitive accurately reflects the intended action. For example, "try to focus" clearly indicates an attempt to concentrate.

Common error

Avoid using "try and" when "try to" is grammatically correct. "Try to fix it" is generally preferred over "try and fix it" in formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "try" is as a verb, indicating an attempt or effort to do something. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples showing its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

15%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Film

8%

Tech

7%

Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try" functions primarily as a verb to denote an attempt or effort. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, notably in news and lifestyle publications. While synonyms like "attempt" and "endeavor" exist, "try" remains a versatile and common choice. Remember to favor "try to" over "try and" in formal writing to maintain clarity. Its neutral register ensures its suitability across various communication settings. Therefore, understanding and using "try" correctly is vital for effective English communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt

This term is a direct synonym, focusing on the act of making an effort.

endeavor

Suggests a more earnest and prolonged effort than "try".

make an effort

Emphasizes the exertion of energy towards a specific goal.

give a shot

An informal way to say "try", implying a less serious attempt.

take a stab at

Similar to "give a shot", suggesting an experimental approach.

test

Focuses on evaluating something through trial or experiment.

experiment

Implies a systematic approach to discover something new.

venture

Suggests a willingness to take risks in attempting something.

undertake

Describes a commitment to begin a task or enterprise.

have a go

British English equivalent to 'give a shot'.

FAQs

How can I use "try" in a sentence?

"Try" can be used to express an attempt or effort, such as "I will try my best" or "You should try to be more patient".

What are some synonyms for "try"?

Alternatives to "try" include "attempt", "endeavor", or "make an effort", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is it correct to say "try and" instead of "try to"?

While "try and" is common in informal speech, "try to" is generally preferred in formal writing. Using "try to" maintains grammatical precision and clarity.

What's the difference between "try" and "test"?

"Try" implies making an effort, while "test" suggests evaluating or assessing something. For example, you "try" to learn a new skill, but you "test" a product's functionality.