"try to" vs "tries to"

Question

"try to" vs "tries to"

Both "tries to" and "try to" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Tries to" is used when the subject is singular (he, she, it), while "try to" is used with plural subjects (I, you, we, they).

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

Use "try to" when the subject of the sentence is plural, such as "We try to eat healthy food."

Examples:

I try to exercise regularly.
You try to be kind to others.
They try to finish their homework on time.

Alternatives:

attempt to
strive to
endeavor to

Use "tries to" when the subject of the sentence is singular, such as "He tries to finish his work on time."

Examples:

She tries to learn a new language.
He tries to be a good friend.
The cat tries to catch the mouse.

Alternatives:

attempts to
strives to
endeavors to

Answer 1

try to

This phrase is correct when the subject is plural (I, you, we, they).

Answer 2

tries to

This phrase is correct when the subject is singular (he, she, it).

"try to" vs "tries to"

try to

tries to

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