Try out means to test something in practice: an app, a recipe, a new method, a car. The aim is to find out whether a thing or an idea suits you before you rely on it or pay for it. With “for”, it means to compete for a place on a team or for a role: “try out for the team”.
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try out + noun; try something/it out; try out for + team/role
- I tried out three language apps before I found one that suited my schedule.
- The café is trying out a four-day week to see if the staff are happier.
- My son is trying out for the school football team this Friday.
What changed
First versionI tried on the new budgeting app, and it saved me a lot of time.
RevisionI tried out the new budgeting app, and it saved me a lot of time.
Both phrases start with “try”, so they are easy to mix up. But “try on” means to put on clothes, shoes or glasses to see if they fit. You don't put on an app; you test how it works, and that is “try out”.
When you simply taste something, “try” is enough: Try this soup. “Try out” is used when you test something to decide whether to keep using it: We're trying out a new booking system at work.
Your turn
Before buying the bike, I asked the shop assistant if I could ___ in the car park.
Show the answer
try it out — The bike needs to be tested before you buy it: “try it out”. “Try it on” is for clothes and shoes that you put on to check the fit. You don't wear a bike; you ride it.
Write about something you have tried out recently: an app, a way of studying, a recipe or a route. Say what it was and whether you liked the result.
Last week I tried out a new cycling route to work along the river, and I liked it more than the bus.
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