try out

USAGE SUMMARY

"try out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe performing a task or activity in order to test, experience, or demonstrate something. For example, "I'm going to try out my new golf clubs this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Go try out!

Huffington Post

They were assessed to try out TENS.

BMC Anesthesiology

Try out accessories.

WikiHow

Try out for leagues.

WikiHow

Try out testers.

WikiHow

Try out new styles.

WikiHow

Try out platform shoes.

WikiHow

Try out fostering.

WikiHow

Try out for cheerleading.

WikiHow

Try out some sports.

WikiHow

Try out acupuncture.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "try out" when you want to suggest testing something to see if it works or if you like it. It implies a practical, hands-on approach.

Common error

Avoid using "try out" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise terms like "evaluate", "assess", or "examine" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "try out" functions primarily as a verb of experimentation or audition. It indicates the action of testing something or someone to determine suitability or effectiveness. Ludwig shows many examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

46%

News & Media

23%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try out" is a versatile phrasal verb primarily used to describe the act of testing or experimenting with something to assess its suitability or effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in informal and neutral registers such as in wikis, news, and media. While suitable for general use, remember to consider more formal alternatives like "evaluate" or "assess" in academic or professional settings. Understanding these nuances will ensure effective communication and help avoid potential misuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

test

This alternative is more concise and focuses on the act of evaluating functionality.

experiment with

This alternative emphasizes the exploratory aspect of testing something new.

give a shot

This alternative is more informal and suggests an attempt with uncertain outcome.

assess

This alternative suggests a more formal and thorough evaluation.

evaluate

This alternative highlights the process of judging the value or quality of something.

sample

This alternative focuses on experiencing a small portion to gain familiarity.

check out

This alternative is informal and suggests a casual inspection or exploration.

take for a spin

This alternative suggests testing something, often a vehicle or a new process.

put to the test

This alternative emphasizes a rigorous examination under specific conditions.

audition

This alternative refers specifically to trying out for a role or position.

FAQs

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

You can use "try out" to describe testing something new, like "I'm going to try out this new restaurant" or "She wants to try out for the basketball team".

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

"Try out" implies a more experimental and less formal assessment than "test". While "test" suggests a structured evaluation, "try out" suggests exploring to see if you like something.

What can I say instead of "try out"?

You can use alternatives like "test", "experiment with", or "give a shot" depending on the context.

Is "try out" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "try out" might be too informal for some academic or professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "evaluate" or "assess".