try on a pair of jeans

Meaning

This phrase means to put on a pair of denim pants temporarily in a store to see if they fit and look good before buying them. It is a very common daily life activity related to shopping and clothing. The phrasal verb 'try on' is essential here.

Examples

• I need to find a fitting room so I can try on a pair of jeans.

  I need to find a fitting room so I can try on a pair of jeans.

• It's always a good idea to try on a pair of jeans before purchasing them.

  It's always a good idea to try on a pair of jeans before purchasing them.

• She went into the changing room to try on a pair of jeans she found on sale.

  She went into the changing room to try on a pair of jeans she found on sale.

• I hate to try on a pair of jeans because the sizing is always so inconsistent.

  I hate to try on a pair of jeans because the sizing is always so inconsistent.

• Can I try on a pair of jeans in a smaller size, please?

  Can I try on a pair of jeans in a smaller size, please?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I want to try a pair of jeans.

  ✓ I want to try on a pair of jeans.

  You must use the phrasal verb 'try on' when talking about testing clothing on your body. 'Try' alone means to attempt an action.

• ✗ I will try on a jeans.

  ✓ I will try on a pair of jeans.

  'Jeans' is a plural noun (like scissors or trousers) and cannot be preceded by the singular article 'a' without 'pair of'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I always head straight to the fitting room to ___ before buying.

  💡 Test the fit of denim pants in a store.

  Show answer

  try on a pair of jeans

• Could you hold my bag while I go and ___?

  💡 Put on some denim trousers to see if they fit.

  Show answer

  try on a pair of jeans