try your luck

USAGE SUMMARY

'try your luck' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually an expression used to encourage someone to take a chance or do something and see what the result is. For example: "I'm not sure I can get the job, but I'm going to try my luck and apply anyway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Maybe try your luck with Google Translate?

Columbia University

Better try your luck with chimps.

The Guardian

Try your luck — occasionally someone will answer.

The New York Times - Travel

Once you know Khot-Regev inside-out, try your luck with Dinur-Safra.

Stanford University

In other words, try your luck elsewhere if you really want to be a chief executive.

The Guardian - Business

As it is, you'll have to take up their spell books and try your luck.

The New York Times

For those overlooking the river, there is even a fishing rod to try your luck.

The Guardian - Travel

If you can't make it out today, you can still try your luck at the door.

The New Yorker

For hard cash, you would have to try your luck in a court.

The Guardian - Money

In layman's terms, don't try your luck for a discount if you notice your print's a bit wonky this spring.

Independent

You may also request them to introduce you to their supervisor or manager to try your luck at impressing them.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "try your luck" when encouraging someone to take a reasonable risk or opportunity where the outcome is uncertain but potentially positive.

Common error

Avoid using "try your luck" when success solely depends on skill or effort, rather than chance. The phrase implies that external factors beyond control play a significant role.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try your luck" functions as an idiomatic expression used to encourage or suggest that someone attempt something, particularly when the outcome is uncertain and success depends on chance or external factors. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "try your luck" is a common and grammatically correct idiom used to encourage someone to attempt something where the outcome is uncertain and influenced by chance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and understood in English. Analysis of its usage reveals that it's most frequently found in news and media, followed by academic and scientific contexts. While the phrase is versatile, it's essential to use it appropriately, recognizing that its emphasis is on chance rather than solely on effort. Alternatives such as ""take a chance"" or ""give it a shot"" can be used for variations in tone or emphasis, but all share the underlying theme of attempting something with an uncertain outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a chance

Focuses on the act of taking a risk, omitting the explicit reference to luck.

give it a shot

An informal expression suggesting an attempt, less focused on luck.

have a go

Similar to "give it a shot", but slightly more common in British English.

take a stab at it

Implies a less serious attempt, often when lacking expertise.

test the waters

Implies exploring possibilities cautiously before committing.

see if it works

Simple and direct, lacking the implication of luck or chance.

roll the dice

Emphasizes the element of chance and risk, similar to gambling.

gamble

Directly refers to risking something of value on an uncertain outcome.

throw your hat in the ring

Specifically refers to entering a competition or contest.

venture forth

More formal and literary, suggesting a journey into the unknown.

FAQs

How can I use "try your luck" in a sentence?

You can use "try your luck" to encourage someone to take a chance, as in, "There are real-people seats to be had, though, so it couldn't hurt to "try your luck"." It suggests the outcome is uncertain but worth attempting.

What does "try your luck" mean?

"Try your luck" means to attempt something with an uncertain outcome, hoping for a favorable result. It often implies that chance or external factors play a role in the success.

What can I say instead of "try your luck"?

You can use alternatives like "take a chance", "give it a shot", or "have a go" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "tried your luck"?

Yes, "tried your luck" is the past tense form and is grammatically correct. For example, "He "tried your luck" at the casino, but didn't win."