What does the phrasal verb “try out for” mean?

What are the definitions of “try out for”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Be tested for a sports team.

  He TRIED OUT FOR the baseball team.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “try out for”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb try out for is to participate in a test or audition to be selected for a sports team, club, or other group activity. It involves demonstrating your skills and abilities to the people in charge of the selection process.

What are the different verb forms of “try out for”?

Root Verb	try out for
Third Person Singular Present	tries out for
Present Participle	trying out for
Simple Past	tried out for
Past Participle	tried out for

Example

She wants to try out for the school's soccer team.

Example

He tries out for the basketball team every year.

Example

They are trying out for the school play this afternoon.

Example

Last year, she tried out for the volleyball team and made it.

Example

He had tried out for the football team but didn't get selected.

What kind of phrasal verb is “try out for”?

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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.)

Transitive verb

“try out for” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

She tried out for the school's soccer team.

Example

He tried out for the basketball team every year.

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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 out for” 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 out for the school's soccer team.

Example

He tried out for the basketball team every year.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “try out for”?

Try out

To test or use something in order to see how well it works or how you like it.

Example

I want to try out the new restaurant that just opened downtown.

Try out for a part

To audition for a role in a play, movie, or other performance.

Example

She's going to try out for the lead role in the school musical.

Try out for a job

To participate in a selection process for a job or position.

Example

He's trying out for a position at the new company.

Good things to know

Does “try out for” have an informal or formal tone?

Try out for is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, especially when discussing sports, clubs, or other group activities. In more formal settings, it may be replaced with terms like 'audition' or 'apply' depending on the context.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “try out for”?

Synonyms

• audition
• apply
• compete
• participate
• contend
• attempt
• seek

Antonyms

• quit
• withdraw
• abandon
• reject
• refuse
• decline