trying different things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'trying different things' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to talk about someone experimenting with various options to achieve something, for example: "He enjoyed trying different things in an effort to make the best dish possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nicholas Edwards, Oxford AHSN: "I suggest they need to operate differently to reflect local priorities as well as trying different things but I think we would benefit by having some common standards around terminology and infrastructure".

The Guardian

We've been trying different things.

The Guardian - Music

"I've been trying different things," she said.

The New York Times

"He is always experimenting and trying different things".

The New York Times - Sports

We weren't allowed but I'm one for trying different things.

The Guardian - Sport

I was going at him, trying different things.

The Guardian - Sport

"Part of finding the answer is trying different things," she said.

The New Yorker

"I've been trying different things for 30 years and the younger the easier," he says.

The Guardian

"We're big believers in trying different things and seeing what works".

The New York Times

So you need to be fairly obsessive to keep plugging away at it and trying different things.

The Guardian

So we are trying different things now that were out of the question a few years ago.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing problem-solving, use "trying different things" to highlight an iterative approach to finding solutions.

Common error

Avoid using "trying different things" excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "experimenting" or "exploring" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trying different things" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of experimenting with varied approaches to achieve a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trying different things" is a versatile and common expression used to describe experimentation and exploration across a wide range of contexts. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness, and the examples provided demonstrate its frequent use in news, business, and general discourse. While simple and straightforward, it effectively conveys the idea of iterative problem-solving or a proactive approach to innovation. While "trying different things" is generally suitable for both formal and informal registers, writers should be mindful of overusing it and consider synonyms like "experimenting" or "exploring" for variety. The high frequency and broad applicability of this phrase underscore its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trying other things

Replaces "different" with "other", slightly altering the focus to alternatives.

trying various things

Substitutes "different" with "various", emphasizing variety in experimentation.

trying different alternatives

Specifies that the "different things" are alternatives, adding clarity.

testing different things

Replaces "trying" with "testing", focusing on evaluation.

trying something different

Shifts from plural "things" to singular "something", indicating a single distinct approach.

experimenting with options

Focuses specifically on the act of experimentation with options.

do different things

Changes "trying" to "do", focusing on action rather than experimentation.

exploring various avenues

Emphasizes exploration as a method of discovery and experimentation.

trying something

Reduces the phrase to simply experimenting without specifying the nature of the experiment.

trying something better

Implies an attempt to improve through experimentation.

FAQs

How can I use "trying different things" in a sentence?

You can use "trying different things" to describe experimenting with various approaches, such as, "The chef was "trying different things" to perfect the recipe."

What can I say instead of "trying different things"?

You can use alternatives like "trying other things", "experimenting", or "exploring options depending on the context.

Is it better to say "trying different things" or "trying new things"?

Both "trying different things" and "trying new things" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Trying different things" suggests varying existing methods, while "trying new things" implies exploring entirely novel approaches.

When is it appropriate to use "trying different things" in professional writing?

It's appropriate when discussing iterative processes, problem-solving strategies, or innovation initiatives. For example, "The team is "trying different things" to improve efficiency."