try

To make an effort to do something, even if you may not succeed.

• Please try again.
• I tried to open the door, but it was locked.
• Are you trying to learn another language?

How to use it: try to do something (I tried to open the window.); try for something (She is trying for a place on the team.)

Similar words: attempt

Common phrases: try to understand, try hard, try again, try your best

To taste, use, or do something to find out what it is like or whether it works.

• Try some of this soup.
• She tried a different route to work.
• Have you tried turning the computer off and on again?

How to use it: try doing something (Try restarting your phone.); try something on (Can I try this coat on?); try something out (We tried the new software out yesterday.)

Similar words: test, sample

Common phrases: try something new, try a recipe, try on something, try something out

If you do this, you make an effort to do something, even if you may fail.

• Try to finish today.
• She tried to lift the box.
• Have you tried to call him?

How to use it: try to do something (I tried to open the window.)

Similar words: attempt, attempt to

Common phrases: try to help, try again, try your best

To examine a legal case in court to decide whether someone is guilty.

• The court will try the case next month.
• He was tried for robbery.
• A jury tried both men and found them guilty.

How to use it: try someone for something (They tried him for theft.); be tried for something (She was tried for fraud.)

Similar words: put on trial

Common phrases: try someone, try someone for, try a case

If something does this to your patience, it makes staying calm difficult.

• The noise tries my patience.
• His endless questions tried her patience.
• Waiting all afternoon would try anyone’s patience.

How to use it: try someone’s patience (These constant delays try my patience.)

Similar words: test, strain

Common phrases: try your patience, try someone’s patience

An effort to do something, whether or not you succeed.

• Have another try.
• I opened it on my third try.
• That was a good try, even though you missed.

How to use it: give something a try (Give the puzzle a try.)

Similar words: attempt, effort

Common phrases: have a try, one more try, first try

An occasion when you taste, use, or do something to see whether you like it.

• Give this soup a try.
• I gave the new app a try yesterday.
• After one try, she decided yoga was for her.

How to use it: give something a try (You should give this tea a try.)

Similar words: trial, taste

Common phrases: give something a try, a quick try

Points scored in rugby by pressing the ball onto the ground beyond the other team’s goal line.

• He scored a try.
• Her second try won the match.
• Was that a try or did he drop the ball?

Common phrases: score a try, winning try, first try, a penalty try