What are the definitions of “try it on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 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.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “try it on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb try it on is to test or attempt something, usually to see if it fits or looks good. This is often used when trying on clothes or accessories. For example, you might try on a shirt to see if it fits before buying it.
What are the different verb forms of “try it on”?
| Root Verb | try it on |
| Third Person Singular Present | tries it on |
| Present Participle | trying it on |
| Simple Past | tried it on |
| Past Participle | tried 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.
Example
He is trying it on to make sure it's comfortable.
Example
Yesterday, they tried it on and loved how it looked.
Example
The dress was tried on by several people before it was sold.
What kind of phrasal verb is “try it on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“try it on” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
She tried on the shoes to see if they fit.
Example
He tried on the hat to check if it looked good.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“try it on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She tried on the shoes to see if they fit.
Example
He tried on the hat to check if it looked good.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “try it on”?
Good things to know
Does “try it on” have an informal or formal tone?
Try it on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, but it can also be used in more formal contexts, depending on the specific situation.
