trying

Everyday

1. Trying means doing your best to do something, making an effort. tree →
2. Trying also means testing something to see if it works or if you like it: trying a new food. tree →
3. As an adjective, trying means annoying and hard to put up with: a trying day. tree →

In the lessons

In maths: a story word for an attempt; sometimes tries are counted; «trying to reach» gives a goal: how many more = goal − have; «trying different numbers» is the guess-and-check method. In science: trying an experiment again to check the result. Phrases: trying to, keep trying, trying on (clothes), trying out, trying hard.

Examples

• She is trying to save $60. tree →
• He is trying to read 100 pages. tree →
• After trying 5 times, he scored. tree →
• She is trying to find the missing number. tree →
• Keep trying; you will get it. tree →
• I am trying on a new pair of shoes. tree →
• We are trying out a new game at recess. tree →
• It was a trying day with lots of problems. tree →
• So they left him trying, and went on. tree →

Note

From «try»: tries, tried, trying (keep the y before -ing). «Try to» and «try and» both mean attempt; «try to» is better in writing. «Trying to reach» gives a goal; how many more = goal − have. Otherwise no clue.