Is "try sth out" separable?

Yes, you can place the object between "try" and "out" or after the phrase.

Can I use "try out" with people?

Usually, it is used with things, not people.

What is the difference between "try out" and "test out"?

"Test out" is often more formal and technical, while "try out" is more general.

Is "try sth out" formal or informal?

It is used in both formal and informal situations.

Try sth out Meaning, Examples & How to Use in English

Jun 12, 2023

—

by

Michael Carter

in English Phrasal Verbs

What Does “Try sth out” Mean?

“Try sth out” means to test or use something to see if it works well or if you like it. It is often used when experimenting with new things.

Introduction

The phrase “try sth out” is a common phrasal verb in English. It means to test or experiment with something to check if it works or if it is suitable. For example, you might try out a new recipe, a piece of equipment, or an idea before making a final decision. Understanding the try sth out meaning is helpful for learners because it appears often in everyday conversations. It expresses the idea of giving something a chance before fully committing to it. This phrase makes your English sound natural and is useful in many contexts, from casual chats to professional settings.

Quick Info Box

Phrasal verb: try sth out → try something out
Type: transitive
Level: A2–B2
Short meaning: to test or experiment with something

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Try sth out” is a separable phrasal verb. This means you can put the object between “try” and “out,” or after the whole phrase.

Try something out (object after the phrasal verb)
Try sth out (object between the verb and the particle)

Examples:

I want to try the new phone out.
Can you try out this jacket?

How to Use “Try sth out”?

Use “try sth out” when you want to describe testing or experimenting with something. It often refers to new objects, ideas, or methods. The phrase is useful in both formal and informal contexts.

You can use it with various objects like tools, clothes, activities, or plans. It shows that you are not fully committed yet but want to see how something works or feels.

Examples

Here are some natural sentences using “try sth out”:

Before buying the car, I decided to try it out on the highway.
She tried out the new software before recommending it to her team.
We should try out that new restaurant this weekend.
He tried out different styles of painting to find his favorite one.
Try out this game and tell me what you think.

Try sth out in a sentence helps you understand how to use it naturally.

Common Mistakes

Sometimes learners make mistakes when using “try sth out.” Here are examples to help you avoid them.

Incorrect: I want to try out the new phone. (Not wrong, but less common with “try sth out”)
Correct: I want to try the new phone out.
Incorrect: She tried out to the new dress.
Correct: She tried out the new dress.

Remember: when using “try sth out,” the object usually comes between “try” and “out” or after the whole phrase, but avoid placing prepositions after it.

Differences / Synonyms

Other phrasal verbs like “test out,” “check out,” and “give sth a try” are similar but have slight differences.

Test out: Usually more formal and technical, often used for equipment or systems.
Check out: Can mean to look at or examine something quickly, less about trying thoroughly.
Give sth a try: Similar meaning but more informal and general.

“Try sth out” focuses more on experimenting or using something to see how it works.

Common Collocations

Some common objects used with “try sth out” include:

New product: try out a new phone, try out new shoes
Equipment: try out a bike, try out a camera
Ideas or methods: try out a plan, try out a strategy
Places or activities: try out a restaurant, try out a sport

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of try sth out:

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation using “try sth out”:

Anna: Have you tried out the new café near the park?

Ben: Not yet. Is it good?

Anna: Yes! I tried it out yesterday, and the coffee was amazing.

Ben: Great! I’ll try it out this weekend.

Practice

Complete the sentence with the correct form of “try sth out”:

I want to ________ this app ________ before buying the full version.
She ________ several recipes ________ to find the perfect cake.
They are going to ________ the new software ________ next week.

FAQs

What does “try sth out” mean? It means to test or use something to see if it works or if you like it.
Is “try sth out” separable? Yes, you can place the object between “try” and “out” or after the phrase.
Can I use “try out” with people? Usually, it is used with things, not people.
What is the difference between “try out” and “test out”? “Test out” is often more formal and technical, while “try out” is more general.
Is “try sth out” formal or informal? It is used in both formal and informal situations.