try this

USAGE SUMMARY

'try this' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to suggest that someone do something new or different, as in this example sentence: "If your usual technique isn't working, try this one instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gail: Try this.

The New York Times

Try this 600ml bottle.

Independent

So try this.

The Economist

Here, try this octopus.

The New York Times - Food

Or try this.

Independent

Let's try this again.

The New York Times - Sports

Let me try this".

The New York Times

"Try this," she said.

The New York Times - Travel

Try this site.

The New York Times

Update: Try this link?

The New York Times

Here, try this opah.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "try this" to introduce a new method or approach, especially when the current one is failing.

Common error

While "try this" is versatile, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "consider this approach" or "investigate this method" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try this" primarily functions as an imperative, directly instructing or suggesting an action. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various scenarios, from offering solutions to problems to recommending specific actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

27%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try this" is a versatile and commonly used imperative phrase for offering suggestions or alternatives. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts. While highly frequent in News & Media and Academia, it is essential to adjust the tone and register based on the context, opting for more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings. Remember to use "try this" when a direct, actionable suggestion is needed, and consider related phrases like "give this a shot" or "experiment with this" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give this a shot

Replaces "try" with "give a shot", implying a casual attempt.

attempt this

Uses a more formal verb, "attempt", suggesting a deliberate effort.

experiment with this

Emphasizes the exploratory nature of trying something new.

sample this

Suggests a small-scale trial, often used in the context of food or products.

have a go at this

An informal way of suggesting someone tries something.

take a stab at this

Implies an attempt at something potentially difficult.

test this out

Suggests evaluating something's functionality or suitability.

check this out

Suggests an evaluation or inspection of something.

consider this option

Shifts the focus to evaluating a possibility rather than immediate action.

why not try this

Adds a suggestion to the imperative, making it a bit softer.

FAQs

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

Use "try this" to suggest an action or offer a solution, such as, "If you're having trouble with the recipe, "try this" technique for better results."

What's a more formal alternative to "try this"?

In formal contexts, you can use alternatives like "consider this", "investigate this", or "explore this".

Is "try this" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "try this" may sound too informal for academic writing. Consider using more precise and formal alternatives such as "evaluate this" or "examine this".

What can I say instead of "try this" when offering food?

When offering food, consider saying "taste this", "sample this", or "have a bite of this" instead of "try this" for a more inviting tone.