Free worksheet
Try the quiz
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Introduction
What's the best advice you've been given? Phil and Pippa talk about giving advice while grammar guru Georgie explains how to use the verb try.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Grammar explanation
try
We often use 'try' to talk about attempting something that you might not succeed at. To do this we can use try + infinitive (with 'to') or try + '-ing' form
Examples
- It can be difficult, but try to organise your work so you can finish it all before you go home.
- It's not always easy but if you want to get fit you should try stickingto an exercise plan.
In spoken English it is common to use try + and in the same way. Note that this is often considered informal.
- Try and practise at least one hour a day, even if you're tired.
- Try and find people who are happy to talk to you.
Another way that we can use try is to suggest that someone does something new to see what happens, or how it makes them feel. When we do this we use try + 'ing form'.
Examples
- Try cooking chips in your air fryer - see if it's any quicker.
- If you find studying boring, try doing it with a friend. You might enjoy it more.
To do
Test yourself using the quiz.
NEXT
Watch British Chat to find out the best advice people have ever received.
Learn how to give advice using the second conditional.
Find our latest programmes.
최신 Learning English Grammar
Predicting the future
Episode 251007 / 07 Oct 2025
What's the difference between 'will' and 'going to'?
Hobbies we enjoy doing
Episode 250930 / 30 Sep 2025
Do you 'learn to play' or 'learn playing' a musical instrument?
Things we collect
Episode 250923 / 23 Sep 2025
What's the difference between 'loads of' and 'lots of'?
Regrets
Episode 250916 / 16 Sep 2025
Learn to talk about your regrets using wish, the third conditional and more
Reminiscing
Episode 250909 / 01 Aug 2025
Learn how to use would, used to and the past simple to talk about your memories
Preferences
Episode 250902 / 02 Sep 2025
What's the difference between prefer, would prefer and would rather?
To-do lists
Episode 250826 / 26 Aug 2025
What's the difference between 'need to do' and 'needs doing'?
