When dealing with word usage in English, one might sometimes feel puzzled. How do you make sure you’re using the right word? Let’s consider two variants of a word related to the action performed by a person or object attempting to achieve something: ‘trys’ and ‘tries’. Which one is correct?
The correct form is tries. In English, when conjugating regular verbs ending in -y preceded by a consonant, we change the ‘y’ to ‘i’ and add ‘es’. This rule applies when forming the third person singular in the present tense.
For example, the verb “try” becomes “tries” when talking about what someone does regularly: “She tries to learn English every day.” This shows that she makes an effort consistently.
Understanding Simple Present Tense: Singular and Plural
Before we dig deeper, let’s brush up on some basics. English verbs change their form based on the subject they are associated with. This change is particularly noticeable when converting verbs from their base form into the third person singular in the present tense.
Generally, if a verb ends in ‘y’, the ‘y’ will change to an ‘ies’ when the subject of the sentence is a singular third person, such as he, she, or it.
Examples
- She flies to Paris every summer.
- He cries when he watches a sad movie.
- It tries to rain, but the sun keeps shining.
Notice how ‘fly’ becomes ‘flies’, ‘cry’ becomes ‘cries’, and ‘try’ becomes ‘tries’ when the subjects are ‘she’, ‘he’, and ‘it’ respectively.
The Case of ‘Trys’ vs. ‘Tries’
So, should we use ‘trys’ or ‘tries’? Based on the rule above, ‘tries’ is the proper form. The verb ‘try’ ends with a -y, so we apply the general rule: transform the ‘y’ into ‘ies’ for he, she, or it. The form ‘trys’ might feel like it could be correct, but it’s actually not recognized in English grammar rules.
Why the Confusion?
English is full of exceptions and irregularities, which might lead someone to think ‘trys’ could be an exception. However, ‘trys’ is simply a common misspelling of ‘tries’.
Putting It in a Real Context
Imagine you have a friend, and you’re talking about a little dog she has that never gives up. You might say, “Every day, it tries to jump onto the high bed.” You wouldn’t say ‘trys’, right? It sounds a bit off!
Now think of a toddler learning to walk. They fall down and stand up repeatedly because they keep trying. You might comment, “Look at how she tries and tries again. She doesn’t give up!” Again, ‘tries’ fits perfectly here.
Some More Examples to Bring Clarity
- My computer sometimes tries to update itself at the worst times.
- He tries to call her at least once a day.
- The cat always tries to sneak out at night.
In every sentence, ‘tries’ is used to express that someone or something is making an effort or an attempt to do something. This provides a clear portrayal of ongoing action in the present tense.
Quick Tips
When you come across a verb ending in ‘y’, ask yourself: Who is doing the action? If it’s he, she, or it, then you’ll likely need to end the verb with ‘ies’ in the present tense. This small change helps keep your English sharp and effective.
A Fun Way to Remember
Think of the word ‘party’. When many people party together, we call it ‘parties’! It’s similar to our verb rules. Just as ‘party’ becomes ‘parties’, ‘try’ becomes ‘tries’. It’s like the verb is having its own little party with the ‘s’!
By looking at common rules and applying them to our daily talking and writing, we can handle most verbs with ease, making our communication smooth and enjoyable.
Remember, practicing these small tips will help you get better every day. Keep using the verb ‘try’ in sentences until ‘tries’ feels natural in the third person singular form. Before you know it, it becomes second nature!
In this explanation, our aim was to clear up the confusion and show how simple and logical English spelling can be. Now when you write or speak, you’ll know exactly why it’s ‘tries’ and not ‘trys’. Happy practicing!
