The word “try” is a versatile verb, often used to express an attempt, endeavor, or experiment. However, when it comes to its plural form, confusion arises. Is it “trys” or “tries”? While both words might appear in informal writing, only “tries” is grammatically correct.
The Correct Plural Form: “Tries”
The plural form of “try” is “tries,” and this applies to both regular verbs and irregular verbs. Understanding why requires exploring the intricacies of English grammar.
Understanding Verb Conjugation
Verb conjugation is the process of changing the form of a verb to reflect tense, person, and number. For example, the verb “to try” in the present tense takes the following forms:
- I try
- You try
- He/She/It tries
- We try
- You try
- They try
Notice how the form of the verb changes depending on the subject. In the third-person singular (“he,” “she,” “it”), the verb takes the “-s” ending.
The Role of Regular and Irregular Verbs
In general, most verbs in English follow a consistent pattern for forming the plural form. This applies to regular verbs, which simply add “-s” or “-es” to the base form in the present tense third-person singular and for the plural form. For example:
- walk: walks, walked, walking, walks (plural)
- play: plays, played, playing, plays (plural)
- cook: cooks, cooked, cooking, cooks (plural)
However, irregular verbs do not follow this pattern. Instead, they have unique forms for the past tense and past participle. The verb “try” happens to be an irregular verb.
The Irregular Verb “Try”
While the present tense forms of “try” follow the regular pattern (I try, you try, he/she/it tries), the plural form does not take the “-s” ending. Instead, it follows the pattern of the third-person singular present tense:
- I try
- You try
- He/She/It tries
- We try
- You try
- They try
As you can see, the plural form of “try” is “try,” just like the third-person singular present tense. This is a characteristic of irregular verbs.
Why “Trys” is Incorrect
The use of “trys” as the plural form of “try” stems from a misunderstanding of verb conjugation. It’s a common mistake, particularly in informal writing or speech. However, in formal writing or academic contexts, using “trys” is unacceptable and considered grammatically incorrect.
Instances Where “Try” is Used as a Noun
While “try” is primarily a verb, it can also be used as a noun, meaning an attempt or effort. However, even when used as a noun, “try” does not take the “-s” ending to form the plural. Instead, the noun form remains the same:
- She had several tries at solving the puzzle.
- The team had a few good tries, but they didn’t score.
The Importance of Correct Grammar
Using the correct grammar in written and spoken English is crucial. It enhances clarity, improves communication, and ensures that your message is received and understood. In formal settings, grammatical errors can detract from your credibility and professionalism.
Consequences of Incorrect Grammar
While “trys” might be a common mistake, using it in formal writing or academic contexts can have several consequences:
- Loss of credibility: Using incorrect grammar can make your writing appear unprofessional and unreliable.
- Misinterpretation: Incorrect grammar can lead to miscommunication and misunderstanding.
- Negative perception: Using incorrect grammar can leave a negative impression on your audience.
Tips for Avoiding Grammatical Errors
Here are a few tips to help you avoid making grammatical errors, especially when using the word “try”:
- Familiarize yourself with verb conjugation: Understand how verbs change their forms depending on tense, person, and number.
- Review the list of irregular verbs: Many irregular verbs have unique forms. Learning these forms can help you avoid mistakes.
- Consult a grammar guide: Reference books and online resources can provide valuable guidance on grammar and usage.
- Proofread carefully: Always proofread your writing carefully to catch any errors before submitting it.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your written and spoken English is grammatically correct and that your message is clear and impactful.
FAQs
1. Why is “trys” grammatically incorrect?
“Trys” is incorrect because it misuses the plural form of the verb “try.” The correct plural form is “tries.” In English, we typically use the base form of the verb (“try”) for the present tense, unless the subject is third-person singular (he, she, it). Therefore, we say “I try,” “you try,” “they try,” but “he/she/it tries.”
The use of “trys” is a common mistake, likely stemming from the similar pronunciation of the singular and plural forms. However, it’s crucial to remember that the correct spelling adheres to the standard rules of English grammar.
2. What are the different forms of the verb “try”?
The verb “try” has several forms depending on the tense and subject:
- Present Tense: I/you/we/they try, he/she/it tries
- Past Tense: tried
- Present Participle (ing form): trying
- Past Participle: tried
These different forms are used in various grammatical constructions, such as simple present tense, simple past tense, present perfect, and so on. It’s important to understand these forms to use the verb correctly in different contexts.
3. When do we use “try” and when do we use “tries”?
“Try” is used for all subjects in the present tense except for the third-person singular (he, she, it). In this case, “tries” is the correct form. For example:
- “I try my best.”
- “You try to be patient.”
- “They try to understand.”
- “He tries to solve the problem.”
- “She tries to explain.”
- “It tries to hide.”
Using “tries” when it should be “try” is a grammatical error, while using “try” when it should be “tries” is also incorrect but less common.
4. What are some common mistakes people make with the verb “try”?
One common mistake is using “trys” instead of “tries” as discussed above. Another error is using “tryed” instead of “tried” in the past tense. This mistake might occur due to the pronunciation of the past tense form, which sounds similar to “tryed.”
It’s important to be aware of these errors and to use the correct form of the verb “try” in your writing and speech.
5. How can I avoid making mistakes with the verb “try”?
The best way to avoid mistakes with the verb “try” is to understand its different forms and how they are used in different tenses. Practice using the correct form in different contexts, and pay attention to the subject of the sentence. If you’re unsure, consult a grammar guide or online resource.
Remember, consistent practice and attention to detail are key to mastering the use of any verb in the English language, including “try.”
6. Does the context ever change the usage of “try” and “tries”?
The context does not change the correct usage of “try” and “tries.” The rules of grammar dictate that “try” is used for all subjects in the present tense except for the third-person singular, where “tries” is used.
Even in informal settings or colloquial speech, these grammatical rules still apply. It’s important to maintain a consistent and accurate use of the verb “try” to avoid confusion and maintain clear communication.
7. Is it okay to use “trys” in informal writing or speech?
Even in informal writing or speech, using “trys” is considered grammatically incorrect. While informal settings may allow for some flexibility in language use, maintaining a standard of correctness is crucial for effective communication.
It’s always best to use the correct forms of words, even in informal contexts, as this helps ensure clarity and promotes good language habits.