trying

Trying is the present participle and gerund form of the verb to try. It denotes the act of making an effort to accomplish something or to test a hypothesis, claim, or idea. In sentences, it can express ongoing action, as in she is trying to finish on time, or describe a general process, as in trying new strategies can be productive. As a gerund, trying can function as a noun phrase, for example, Trying new things can be rewarding.

The word has two main senses. One is the act of attempting or testing something, often with the goal of achieving a result: “Give it a try.” The other is an adjective sense describing something that is difficult, demanding, or exhausting: a trying situation or a trying week. In this usage, the word conveys strain or patience-testing circumstances.

Usage notes and phrases are common. Try is frequently followed by to + verb to express intent or effort: “try to solve the problem.” In informal speech, try is often used interchangeably with attempt, though attempt can sound more formal or cautious. Idiomatic phrases include “to give it a try,” “to try one’s patience,” and “it’s trying,” which conveys a sense of hardship. Cognate forms appear in related languages and in compound expressions such as tried and true, where the root sense of testing or proving remains.

Overall, trying covers both the act of making an effort and the experience of difficulty, with usage shaped by tone, formality, and context.