Have a try means to try or attempt to do something. It sounds conversational, is more common in British English, and is usually encouraging: Go on, have a try! To say what you're trying, use at: have a try at the puzzle.
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have a try (at + noun/-ing); let me have a try; give it a try; make an attempt
- The printer still isn't working. Can I have a try?
- I've never surfed before, but I'd love to have a try on holiday.
- Have a try at the first question, and I'll help you with the rest.
What changed
First versionThe jar was stuck. I made a try, but the lid didn't move.
RevisionThe jar was stuck. I had a try, but the lid didn't move.
Make a try can seem logical, since people make attempts, but try doesn't go with make: the phrase is have a try. Make belongs with the word attempt: make an attempt means the same thing, only more formal. The correction replaces made with had.
Give it a try means almost the same, but people usually say it when suggesting something new: The café is new, give it a try. Have a go is a conversational British version with the same meaning: Let me have a go.
Your turn
I can't solve this crossword clue. Do you want to ___ a try?
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have — The fixed phrase is have a try, meaning to try. Make a try isn't used: a native speaker would say have a try or make an attempt.
Write what you'd say to persuade a friend to try something new. Say what it is and why it's worth the risk.
You've never tried climbing, so come and have a try this Saturday: the instructor is patient and the first lesson is free.
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