to give a try

Examples

• All

• I saw one that I thought might be good to give a try.

  Blog text (2)

• So I was like, let's give oops, let's give a try to some different products.

• Let's give a try at these good-looking sandwiches.

  An Unfinished Life (2005)

• I'm nervous about rock climbing, but I think I should give a try to it this weekend.

• After hearing great reviews, I decided to give a try to the new restaurant in town.

• I've never played chess before, but I'm excited to give a try at it during game night.

Synonyms

A

to attempt

vsto give a try

∞ 1.3

To try to do something that is difficult or new

is the everyday, less formal expression for making an effort

T

to try out

vsto give a try

229 2.8

To test something to see how it works

focuses on general effort rather than systematic testing or trial

G

to give it a try

vsto give a try

102 1.7

Try something for the first time to see if you like it

is the general way to make an effort at something new

T

to take a shot at

vsto give a try

• Informal

45 3.7

To try to do something even when success is uncertain

is the common phrasing for making an uncertain effort

H

to have a go

vsto give a try

• UK

33 4.3

Try doing something, often for the first time

is the neutral expression for making that kind of effort

T

to take a crack at

vsto give a try

• Informal

16 4.9

To try to do something, often for the first time

is similar but used more broadly for all small initial efforts

H

to have a go at

vsto give a try

• UK

11 3.4

To try doing something you have not done before

is used more generally for effort without stressing uncertainty

T

to take a stab at

vsto give a try

• Informal

10 5.3

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

is the standard expression for attempting with no guarantee

G

to give it a whirl

vsto give a try

• Informal

8 5.8

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

is similar but covers any basic effort, not only first tests

E

to essay

vsto give a try

• Formal

1 7.7

To try something in a careful, experimental way

is the more general, everyday way to make an effort

H

to have a stab at

vsto give a try

• UK

1 5.3

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

is the normal way to describe making that kind of effort

G

to give a go

vsto give a try

• UK

1 4.1

To try something, especially something new

is the broader, neutral form of making a casual effort

G

to give a whirl

vsto give a try

• Informal

4.9

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

is broader, covering any effort, not only testing suitability

Antonyms

G

to give up

∞ 1.2

To stop trying to do something or accept defeat

A

to abandon

401 3.8

Stop supporting an idea or plan

How Hard

to strive

156 3.7

attempt

∞ 1.0

to give a try

1 1.6

to have a go

• UK

33 4.3

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology