What is try? Pronunciation and usage in English

try means . Learn how to pronounce and use try through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of try

tryverb

/trʌɪ/
Definition & pronunciation of try

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "try" in English. There are actually two common pronunciations, and it depends on the context!

1. The Most Common Pronunciation (Rhyming with "sky"):

  • IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet): /traɪ/

  • Breakdown:

    • t: Pronounced like the "t" in "top" – a quick, sharp sound.
    • r: Pronounced as a very quick, almost unnoticeable "r." It's really a blend with the following vowel sound. Think of it as almost disappearing.
    • y: Pronounced like the sound you make when you say "yes". It's a high, front vowel.

  • How to say it: Think of saying "try" quickly, but almost merging the "t" and the "y." It's often described as a blend of "t" and "r" followed by the "y" sound.

2. Less Common Pronunciation (Rhyming with "lie"):

  • IPA: /trai/

  • Breakdown:

    • t: Pronounced like the "t" in "top."
    • r: Pronounced like a standard "r" (like in "red").
    • ai: This is the sound in the word "eye." (Similar to the French "ei")

  • When you hear this: This pronunciation is more common in British English.

Here's a helpful tip:

  • Context is key: Most of the time, people will understand you if you say it with the /traɪ/ pronunciation (rhyming with "sky"). It's the default pronunciation in American English.

Resources to hear the pronunciation:

To help me give you even more targeted guidance, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from (roughly)? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Australia) – This helps me determine which pronunciation might be more common for you.

Usage and examples with the word try in English

Let's break down how to use the word "try" in English. It's a remarkably versatile word with several different meanings and uses! Here's a categorized breakdown:

1. Attempting Something (The Most Common Meaning)

  • Definition: To make an effort to do something; to attempt.
  • Structure: try + to + verb
  • Examples:
    • "I tried to open the door, but it was locked." (You made an effort to open it.)
    • "She tried to run a marathon." (She attempted to complete a marathon.)
    • "He tried to solve the puzzle." (He made an effort to find the solution.)
    • "We tried our best to help." (We made the most effort we could.)

2. Asking for Something (Polite Request)

  • Definition: To politely ask someone to do something. Often used with "to" and a verb.
  • Structure: try + to + verb
  • Examples:
    • "Could you try to be quiet?" (A polite request for quiet.)
    • "Please try to understand." (A polite request for understanding.)
    • "Would you try the soup?" (Offering something and asking for a taste.)

3. Speculating or Guessing

  • Definition: To suppose something might be true; to guess.
  • Structure: try + verb (without "to")
  • Examples:
    • "I try to believe in something." (I speculate or hope.)
    • "Do you try to read my mind?" (Are you guessing what I’m thinking?)
    • “I try to be positive.” (I’m attempting to think positively.)

4. "Trying On" (Clothing/Accessories)

  • Definition: To put something on to see how it fits.
  • Structure: try + on + noun
  • Examples:
    • "She wants to try on a new dress."
    • "He's trying on a pair of shoes."

5. "Trying" as an Adjective (Describing a State)

  • Definition: Describes something that is difficult, challenging, or stressful.
  • Structure: trying (used directly before a verb)
  • Examples:
    • "It's a trying time for everyone." (A difficult or stressful time.)
    • "The exam was very trying." (The exam was challenging.)
    • "That project is incredibly trying."

6. "Trying To" (Expressing Difficulty or Struggle)

  • Definition: This construction emphasizes the effort and often the failure or difficulty involved.
  • Structure: trying to + verb (often followed by an adverb like "hard")
  • Examples:
    • "I'm trying to finish this report." (I'm making a significant effort, but it might be difficult.)
    • "He was trying hard to stay calm." (He was exerting a lot of effort.)

Key Differences & Nuances:

  • With “to” vs. Without “to”: The presence of “to” significantly changes the meaning. "Try to" is a request or attempt. "Try" alone indicates a speculation.
  • "Trying" vs. "Try": "Trying" is the present participle (used with helping verbs like "is," "was," "are," etc.). "Try" is the base form of the verb.

Tips for Using "Try" Correctly:

  • Listen to how native speakers use it. Pay attention to the context.
  • Don’t overdo it. "Try" is a powerful word; use it when it’s genuinely appropriate. Sometimes, simpler words (like "attempt," "attempt to," or "attempting") are clearer.
  • Consider synonyms. Depending on the context, words like "attempt," "endeavor," "strive," "seek," or "hope" might be better choices.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What specifically are you struggling with when using “try”? (e.g., "I'm not sure when to use 'try to' vs. just 'try'," or "I want to improve my use of 'trying' as an adjective.")

Synonyms for the word try

Idioms of the word try

do/try your damnedest (to do something)
(informal)to try as hard as you can (to do something)
  • She did her damnedest to get it done on time.
do/try your level best (to do something)
to do as much as you can to try to achieve something
    not for want/lack of trying
    used to say that although somebody has not succeeded in something, they have tried very hard
    • They haven't won a game yet, but it isn't for want of trying.
    • They lost the game, but not for lack of trying.
    these things are sent to try us
    (saying)used to say that you should accept an unpleasant situation or event because you cannot change it
      tried and tested/trusted
      that you have used or relied on in the past successfully
      • a tried and tested method for solving the problem
      try/do your damnedest (to do something)
      (informal)to try as hard as you can (to do something)
      • She tried her damnedest to get it done on time.
      try your hand (at something)
      to do something such as an activity or a sport for the first time
        try it on (with somebody)
        to behave badly towards somebody or try to get something from them, even though you know this will make them angry
        • Children often try it on with new teachers.
        to try to start a sexual relationship with somebody
          try your luck (at something)
          to do something that involves risk or luck, hoping to succeed
          • My grandparents emigrated to Canada to try their luck there.
          try somebody’s patience
          to make somebody feel impatient
          • His stubbornness would try the patience of a saint.

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