try to vs try for

Both 'try to' and 'try for' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Try to' is used to indicate an attempt or effort to do something, while 'try for' is used to express a goal or aim to achieve something.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1195 views

Correct. 'Try to' is used to indicate an attempt or effort to do something.

"try to"

Use 'try to' when you want to express an attempt or effort to do something. It is followed by a verb (infinitive form).

Examples:

I will try to finish the project by tomorrow.
She tried to call you, but you were not available.

Show examples from the web [+]

Guess you should try to expedite things.
You should try to call home.
We could try to do something ourselves.
So, try to control your thought process.
Humanity may try to inhabit outer space.
Your pet may try to re-eat the regurgitated food.
People try to pick his pocket.
Think back, try to remember...
So try to be as friendly as possible.
Guess you should try to expedite things.
Please, try to repress your emotions.
Please try to remember something, anything.
Mothers try to protect their children.
Meantime, try to survive tonight.
Indigenous American parents often try to encourage curiosity in their children.
But try to convey my passion.
I try to concentrate on more spiritual matters.
I try to help people achieve their goals.
Oftentimes companies try to include everything in the email.
When highway driving try to use your cruise control.

Alternatives:

attempt to
endeavor to
strive to
aim to
endeavor to

Correct. 'Try for' is used to express a goal or aim to achieve something.

"try for"

Use 'try for' when you want to express a goal or aim to achieve something. It is often followed by a noun or a specific outcome.

Examples:

She is going to try for a promotion this year.
He is trying for a personal best in the upcoming race.

Show examples from the web [+]

If you amputate now, we could try for's the best chance you have of saving him.
A minute ago, back when I got you to smile, I thought I might try for a kiss.
I have some recipes I'd like to try for the party.
I can try for a while.
Now, you can try for the next thousand years not to be a fool, but you'll always be one.
I can try for five minutes after her sit-down with the British P.M. Thank you.
No, I've been asking you to try for three years.
New guard, just in case they do have the audacity to try for the Crimean gold.
Just wondered why you didn't try for the Light Horse.
Let's try for five miles today.
I'll try for the Wilshire Country Club. Ninth hole.
Then we try for two weeks.
No need to try for another with you.
I need to try for her.
Figured l'd try for second base, Anders.
Major, we must try for more replacements.
But we should try for institutional revolution.
Rick wants you to try for the car.
But once I'm pinned, you should try for a finishing blow.
Collar him, and we'll try for a deal.

Alternatives:

strive for
aim for
work towards
aspire to
reach for

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try to vs try for

"try to"

"try for"

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