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Verb + preposition

How to use 'try for' and 'try on'

Try for and try on are common but have different meanings. Try in is not a standard fixed combination in most contexts.

Quick answer

Common patterns with 'try'

Use try for when attempting to get something. Use try on for testing clothes or accessories. Try in is usually not an idiomatic fixed expression.

She decided to try for the scholarship.
Can I try on this jacket?
He plans to try for a promotion next year.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
try for + goal

Attempting to obtain something

Use try for when aiming to get a job, prize, position, or result.

They will try for a record this season.
2
try on + clothing

Testing clothes or accessories

Use try on when putting on clothes to see if they fit or look good.

She tried on several hats before buying one.
3
try + verb

Attempting an action

Try is often followed directly by another verb.

Please try to stay calm during the interview.
4
try out + object

Testing something

Use try out for testing equipment, ideas, or activities.

We tried out the new software yesterday.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
try for
He is trying for a place at university.
Attempting to obtain something.
try on
She tried on the shoes.
Testing clothes or accessories.
try in
They tried the idea in a small market.
In here introduces place; try in is not usually a fixed verb-preposition pattern.
try out
The team tried out a new strategy.
Testing something experimentally.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using try on for goals

Try on is for clothing and similar items.

✕ She tried on a scholarship. ✓ She tried for a scholarship.

Using try for with clothes

Use try on for wearing clothes temporarily.

✕ Can I try for this coat? ✓ Can I try on this coat?

Treating try in as a standard pattern

In often introduces place rather than forming a fixed combination.

✕ I want to try in these shoes. ✓ I want to try on these shoes.

Forgetting the object after try on

Try on normally needs clothing or accessories as the object.

✕ She tried on before buying. ✓ She tried on the dress before buying it.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. He plans to try ___ a management position.
2. Can I try ___ these boots?
3. We tried the product ___ several countries.

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Frequently asked questions

What does 'try for' mean?

It means attempt to obtain or achieve something.

When do I use 'try on'?

Use it when testing clothes, shoes, glasses, or accessories.

Is 'try in' correct?

Usually no as a fixed expression. In often simply introduces a place.

tackle by, in, for, with or on? tack-on-onto-to-across, as "tag with" or "tag in"? tailor to, for, from, toward or towards? "taint by" or "taint with"? "take into", "take in" or "take to"? "talk about" or "talk to"? tally with, in, for, up or at? "tap into" or "tap on"? target at, by, for, to or in? tarnish by, in, with, after or as? "taste like", "taste of" or "taste in"?

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