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to give it a try

to give it a try

102 1.7
Try something for the first time to see if you like it
  • phrasal verb
translation icon : intentarlo
  • She decided to give it a try at the painting class to see if she would enjoy it.
  • willing to give it a try
  • let's give it a try
  • decide to give it a try

So just keep that in mind and give it a try anyway.

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Examples

  • And I said, well, I'll give it a try and see what it's about.

  • All right, we'll give it a try.

  • So just keep that in mind and give it a try anyway.

  • Does anybody really give it a try, see what it does best, things like that?

  • So you are mostly welcome to give it a try on your own problem.

  • Can I give it a try?

  • You know, I think you and your mom would have a lot to talk about if you give it a try.

  • So let's get into it and give it a try.

  • I'll give it a try.

  • I had never played formal golf before, so I wanted to give it a try.

    Academic text (2008)

Synonyms

to attempt
vsto give it a try
1.3

To try to do something that is difficult or new

is less formal and more about a simple first effort
to try out
vsto give it a try
229 2.8

To test something to see how it works

is more about a simple personal first effort than formal testing
to experiment
vsto give it a try
170 3.5

To try something new to see what effect it has

focuses on casual personal first efforts rather than planned research
to have a go
vsto give it a try
  • UK
33 4.3

Try doing something, often for the first time

carries a casual first effort sense rather than deep practice
to take a crack at
vsto give it a try
  • Informal
16 4.9

To try to do something, often for the first time

implies a casual first effort rather than careful evaluation
to have a go at
vsto give it a try
  • UK
11 3.4

To try doing something you have not done before

suggests a single effort mainly to see if you can manage
to take a stab at
vsto give it a try
  • Informal
10 5.3

To try to do something when you are not sure you will succeed

reads as a casual first effort rather than a confident plan
to give it a whirl
vsto give it a try
  • Informal
8 5.8

To try something for the first time to see if it works

is used for a casual first effort to check liking or skill
to essay
vsto give it a try
  • Formal
1 7.7

To try something in a careful, experimental way

is used for informal first efforts rather than formal experiments
to have a stab at
vsto give it a try
  • UK
1 5.3

To try to do something when you are not sure you will succeed

has a more neutral first effort tone than one of doubt
to give a try
vsto give it a try
1 1.6

To do something new to see if you can do it

focuses on a single first effort to check ability or interest
to give a go
vsto give it a try
  • UK
1 4.1

To try something, especially something new

emphasizes a one-off first effort to see if it suits you
to give a whirl
vsto give it a try
  • Informal
4.9

Try something once to see if you like it or are good at it

is about making a simple first effort to test liking or skill
to make trial of
vsto give it a try
  • Archaic
7.2

To try something to see if it works

is more about a casual first effort to check liking or skill

Antonyms

1.2

To stop trying to do something or accept defeat

773 3.1

Leave someone or something behind permanently and without care

How Hard

to strive
156 3.7
attempt
1.0
to give it a try
102 1.7

Surface Forms

give it a try infinitive
giving it a try present participle
gives it a try third person singular
given it a try past participle

Morphology

give + it + a + try

The phrase is compositionally built from 'give' (offer) + 'a try' (an attempt) with 'it' as a pronoun placeholder, so the meaning 'make an attempt' can be derived directly by a B1 learner who knows the constituent words. The construction 'give X a Y' is a common, transparent English pattern and has close equivalents in many languages, making the expression immediately understandable.

Etymology

Give it a try comes from the simple image of someone handing over a small task so the other person can try it; to give someone a try is to offer them a chance to attempt something. So, it means 'to try something', often to 'see if you like it' or can do it.