What does try mean?
Try is a basic English word with several closely related uses. As a verb, it most often means to make an attempt to do something: one may try to arrive early, try to solve a problem, or try one’s best. It can also mean to test or experiment with something, as in trying a recipe or a new pair of shoes, and to experience something briefly. As a noun, a try is an attempt, a turn at doing something, or a small sample. The word is extremely flexible and remains natural in both formal and informal contexts. Its apparent simplicity conceals a long history: the modern verb developed from an Old English word associated with testing and proving. Expressions such as give it a try and one more try show its familiar encouraging tone, while try to do something forms the neutral grammatical pattern used across Britain and North America.
To attempt to do something, test or experiment with something, or briefly experience or sample something.
"She decided to try a different route after the main road was closed."
Try to followed by an infinitive is the standard neutral construction. Try and followed by an infinitive is informal and especially associated with British usage.
An attempt, effort, or turn at doing something; also a brief sample or trial of something.
"The teacher gave each student one try at the puzzle."
When meaning an attempt, the noun is normally countable and takes tries in the plural.
When try is a countable noun meaning an attempt, its plural is tries.
"Each contestant gets three tries to complete the course."
Try began as a word for testing or proving something, so its modern meaning still carries the old idea of putting an idea to the test.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does try come from?
The modern word developed from Middle English trien, continuing Old English trīegan, meaning to try, test, or prove. The Old English verb belongs to a Germanic etymological family also reflected in English words such as true, trust, truce, and troth. The noun meaning an attempt arose later from the use of the verb.
Related word forms
How try is actually used
Try is neutral in register and standard in British and American English. The construction try to followed by an infinitive is the usual form in formal writing; try and followed by an infinitive is especially common in informal British English and can suggest a casual attempt.