try

Universal Words verb, noun verb (tries, trying, tried, tried) 1 to make an attempt or effort to do or get sth: [V] I don't know if I can come but I'll try. * [Vtoinf] What are you trying to do? * I tried hard not to laugh. * You haven't even tried to find it. * Don't try to do it too quickly. * [VNtoinf] She tried her best to solve the problem. * [VN] Just try your hardest. HELPNOTE In spoken English try can be used with and plus another verb, instead of with to and the infinitive: I'll try and get you a new one tomorrow. * Try and finish quickly. In this structure, try can only be used in the infinitive, or to tell somebody what to do. 2 to use, do or test sth in order to see if it is good, suitable, etc: [VN] Have you tried this new coffee? It's very good. * 'Would you like to try some raw fish?' 'Why not? I'll try anything once!' * Have you ever tried windsurfing? * Try these shoes for size-they should fit you. * She tried the door, but it was locked. * [V-ing] John isn't here. Try phoning his home number. HELPNOTE Notice the difference between try to do sth and try doing sth: You should try to eat more fruit. means 'You should make an effort to eat more fruit.'; You should try eating more fruit. means 'You should see if eating more fruit will help you' (to feel better, for example). 3 [VN] ~ sb (for sth)