try out
B1Neutral to informal; common in spoken and written English.
Definition
Meaning
to test something for the first time to see if it works well or is suitable.
1. To test the performance or suitability of something (e.g., a product, a method). 2. To test one's own skills or abilities in a new area. 3. To test or assess a person's suitability for a team, role, or activity (often via a trial period or audition).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a phrasal verb (transitive). Can also be used as a noun 'tryout' (especially in US English for sports auditions). Implies a temporary or experimental phase before a final decision.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
As a noun, 'tryout' (one word) is more common in AmE. In BrE, 'trial' is often used where AmE might use 'tryout' for team selection. The verb phrase 'try out' is used similarly in both.
Connotations
In both, it suggests experimentation and assessment. In AmE sports contexts, 'tryouts' carry a formal, competitive connotation.
Frequency
Equally frequent as a verb in both varieties. Noun form 'tryout' is significantly more frequent in AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
try out [something]try [something] outtry out for [something]try out [something] on [someone/something]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Try it out for size.”
- “Give it a try-out.”
- “A try-out period.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Referring to testing new software, processes, or hiring candidates on a trial basis. (e.g., 'We'll try out the new system in the Berlin office first.')
Academic
Less common; used for describing experimental methodologies or pilot studies.
Everyday
Very common for testing products, activities, or hobbies. (e.g., 'I'd like to try out that new café.')
Technical
Used in engineering, software development, and product design for prototype testing.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- You can try out the bike before you commit to buying it.
- She's trying out for the local theatre production.
- Let's try this new recipe out on the family.
American English
- You should try out the new update on your phone.
- He's trying out for the varsity basketball team.
- We tried the new car out on the highway.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- This is just a try-out session to see how it goes.
- We attended a try-out class at the gym.
American English
- It was a tryout period before the contract was signed.
- The tryout phase for the software is complete.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I want to try out my new bicycle.
- Can I try out your pen?
- You should try out for the school football team.
- We tried out several different designs before choosing one.
- The company is trying out a four-day work week to boost productivity.
- After trying out various meditation apps, she found one that suited her.
- The prototype was tried out under extreme conditions, and it performed admirably.
- Aspiring actors must try out in front of a panel of critical directors.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: Before you BUY it, you must TRY IT OUT. It's like taking a car for a test DRIVE OUT on the road.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A TRIAL / KNOWING IS SEEING (e.g., 'Let's see if it works').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'try' alone ('пытаться'). 'Try out' implies a specific, often hands-on, test. Translates closer to 'испытать', 'опробовать', 'протестировать'.
- The noun 'tryout' for a sports team is similar to 'просмотр' or 'отбор'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: *'I will try out to learn Spanish.' (Use 'try to learn'). Correct: 'I will try out a new app for learning Spanish.'
- Incorrect separation: *'I tried the new software out it.' Correct: 'I tried out the new software' or 'I tried the new software out.'
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'try out' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. 'Try' means to attempt something ('try to open the jar'). 'Try out' specifically means to test something to evaluate it ('try out the new jar opener').
Yes, especially in contexts like sports teams, jobs, or roles. 'They are trying out three new candidates this week.' It implies a trial period or audition.
The noun is 'tryout' (often one word, especially in AmE) or 'try-out' (hyphenated, especially in BrE). It means an experimental test or an audition.
It can go before or after the object if the object is a noun ('try out the software' / 'try the software out'). If the object is a pronoun (it, them), it must go after ('try it out').
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