Brief Summary
This video explains the different uses of the verb "try" and the phrasal verbs "try out" and "try on" in American English. It also clarifies the distinction between "try to do something" and "try doing something," highlighting their different meanings and contexts.
- "Try" is used for tasting food or drinks to see if you like them.
- "Try out" has two meanings: using something to see if you like it (separable) and auditioning for a team (not separable).
- "Try on" is used for clothes and shoes to check the fit and if you like them (separable).
- "Try to do something" implies effort and difficulty, often resulting in failure.
- "Try doing something" suggests an experiment to see if you like something or as a piece of advice.
Introduction to 'Try', 'Try Out', and 'Try On'
The video introduces the verb "try" and the phrasal verbs "try out" and "try on," noting that while they share a similar meaning of testing something to see if you like it or if it works for you, each has distinct uses. The lesson aims to clarify these differences through examples and practice.
Using 'Try' for Food and Drinks
The verb "try" is used when referring to tasting food or drinks to determine if you like them, especially when you've never had them before. For example, if there are free samples available, you might "try it" to see if you enjoy the taste. The video includes a practice exercise to reinforce this usage.
Two Meanings of 'Try Out'
The phrasal verb "try out" has two different meanings. The first, a separable phrasal verb, means to use something to see if you like it or if it works for you. For example, someone might "try out" new exercise equipment at the gym. The object can be placed between "try" and "out" ("try the equipment out") or after the entire phrase ("try out the equipment"). If a pronoun is used, it must go in the middle ("try it out"). The second meaning of "try out" is to audition for a team, which requires the preposition "for" and is not separable. For example, "try out for the basketball team".
Using 'Try On' for Clothes and Shoes
The phrasal verb "try on" is used when putting on clothes or shoes to see if they fit and if you like them. This is a separable phrasal verb, so you can say "try on the dress" or "try it on." The 't' in "it" is pronounced like a fast 'd'.
Recap of 'Try', 'Try Out', and 'Try On'
The video recaps the uses of "try," "try out," and "try on." "Try" alone is for tasting food and drinks. "Try out" is for testing equipment or auditioning for a team. "Try on" is specifically for clothes and shoes.
Difference Between 'Try To Do' and 'Try Doing'
The video transitions to explaining the difference between "try to do something" and "try doing something." "Try to do something" (with 'to' and a simple verb) refers to attempting something difficult that requires effort, often resulting in failure, but with the possibility of trying again. For example, "I tried to fix my computer." "Try doing something" (with a gerund) refers to an experiment to see if you like something or as a piece of advice. For example, "Try eating only vegetables."
Examples of 'Try To Do'
The video provides examples of using "try to do something," such as trying to fix a broken computer or trying to catch a ball. These examples illustrate situations where effort is exerted, but the outcome is not guaranteed. The pronunciation of "tried" is also highlighted, noting the "chr" sound.
Examples of 'Try Doing'
The video gives examples of using "try doing something," such as trying eating only vegetables or trying running. These examples illustrate situations where you are experimenting to see if you like something. It also includes an example of giving advice, such as "Try hitting the TV with your hand."
Summary of 'Try To Do' vs 'Try Doing'
The video concludes by summarising the difference between "try to do something," which implies effort and difficulty, and "try doing something," which suggests an experiment or a piece of advice.
