try doing something

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiom

   To do something as a test or experiment to see if it works or helps.

   Grammar: Followed by a gerund (-ing form): try doing something. Compare try to do something, which means make an effort.

   Patterns

   • try doing something
   • try something
   • try doing something to see if

   If you can't sleep, try drinking a glass of warm milk.

   Try restarting your computer; that often fixes the problem.

   I tried calling him, but there was no answer.

2. 2phraseidiom

   To test something to see if it is suitable or enjoyable.

   Grammar: Often used for suggesting an experiment: Try adding more salt.

   Patterns

   • try doing something
   • try doing something for size

   Try wearing the shoes around the house before you buy them.

   Try adding a little sugar to the sauce.

Common combinations

try doing something

Try doing yoga to relax.

try something new

I like to try new things when I travel.

try doing something else

If that doesn't work, try doing something else.

try doing something for a change

Try walking to work for a change.

Synonyms and how they differ

attempt

Attempt is more formal and often used for a single try; try doing something suggests experimenting.

test

Test means check if something works; try doing something is more about seeing if it helps or is enjoyable.

Word family

try verb

To make an effort or attempt.

try noun

An attempt.

Commonly confused: try doing something or try to do something?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “try doing something”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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