Phrasal verbs "prey on" vs "try it on"

Differences between prey on and try it on

Prey on means to exploit or take advantage of someone or something vulnerable, while try it on means to try on a piece of clothing or to test something out before committing to it.

Meanings and Definitions: prey on vs try it on

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Prey on

  • 1Catch and kill an animal for food.

    Spiders PREY ON insects.

  • 2Exploit or harm.

    They PREY ON older people.

Try it on

  • 1Provoke someone by being annoying or behaving badly.

    The children were TRYING IT ON all night until I lost my temper.

  • 2Attempt to get something, usually by deceit, without great hopes of success.

    He knew I wasn't got to let him do it- he was just TRYING IT ON.

Usage Examples: prey on, try it on in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

prey on

Example

Cats often prey on small birds and rodents.

Example

The snake preys on mice and other small animals.

try it on

Example

I want to try it on before I buy it.

Example

She tries it on to see if it matches her outfit.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Prey on

To exploit or benefit from someone or something vulnerable.

Example

Some companies take advantage of their employees by paying them low wages and denying benefits.

To use or manipulate someone or something for one's own gain.

Example

The politician was accused of exploiting the pandemic to gain more power and control.

To mistreat or harm someone or something physically, emotionally, or mentally.

Example

Domestic violence is a form of abuse that affects millions of people worldwide.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Try it on

To try out a vehicle before purchasing it.

Example

Before buying a car, it's important to test drive it to see how it handles on the road.

To try a small amount of something before committing to it.

Example

At the grocery store, they were offering free samples of a new type of cheese, so I decided to sample it.

To try something out or attempt to do something.

Example

I've never played tennis before, but I'm willing to give it a go and see how it feels.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “prey”

Phrasal Verbs with “try”

Phrasal Verbs with “on”

Differences in prey on vs try it on: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: prey on or try it on?

In daily conversation, people use try it on more often than prey on. This is because try it on is a common phrase used when shopping for clothes or trying out new products. Prey on is not used as much in everyday conversation, but it's still a useful phrase to know.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of prey on and try it on

Prey on and try it on are both informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of prey on and try it on

The tone of prey on and try it on can differ based on context. Prey on often carries a negative or critical tone when related to taking advantage of someone or something, while try it on typically has a practical and curious tone, especially when referring to trying on clothes or testing out new products.

prey on & try it on: Synonyms and Antonyms

Prey on

Synonyms

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