try out

Meaning

'Try out' means to test something or someone to see if they are suitable, effective, or enjoyable. It is commonly used when testing new products, trying new hobbies, or when auditioning/triating for a sports team or performance.

Examples

• I want to try out that new Italian restaurant down the street tonight.

  I want to try out that new Italian restaurant down the street tonight.

• You should try out this software before you decide to purchase it.

  You should try out this software before you decide to purchase it.

• She is going to try out for the school basketball team next Tuesday.

  She is going to try out for the school basketball team next Tuesday.

• I'm trying out a new recipe for chocolate chip cookies this afternoon.

  I'm trying out a new recipe for chocolate chip cookies this afternoon.

• They let me try the car out for a quick drive around the block.

  They let me try the car out for a quick drive around the block.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I tried out to play the guitar yesterday.

  ✓ I tried out the guitar yesterday.

  'Try out' is followed by a noun or pronoun. Do not use an infinitive verb (to + verb) directly after 'try out'.

• ✗ I want to try out of this new video game.

  ✓ I want to try out this new video game.

  Do not use 'of' after 'try out'. The object should follow the phrasal verb directly.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Before you buy those running shoes, you should ___ them ___.

  💡 Test something to see if you like it.

  Show answer

  try out

• He decided to ___ for the local theater production.

  💡 Audition or compete for a position.

  Show answer

  try out