When writing about making an effort, choosing the correct spelling matters. Tries is the correct spelling, while trys is a common misspelling. The change follows a simple English spelling rule.
Quick Answer: Trys or Tries?
Use tries with he, she, or it. It is also the plural noun of try, meaning more than one attempt. Trys is not a standard English spelling.
Trys vs. Tries: Key Differences
| Word | Correct? | Meaning |
| Tries | Yes | Third-person singular of try; also the plural noun |
| Trys | No | Nonstandard spelling |
What Does Tries Mean?
Tries has two uses:
- As a verb: It describes making an effort. Example: She tries to learn something new every day.
- As a noun: It means multiple attempts. Example: He needed three tries to solve the puzzle.
The sentence tells you which meaning applies.
How to Spell Tries: The Correct Rule
Remember this rule when spelling tries:
For a verb ending in a consonant + y, change the y to i and add -es for the he, she, or it form.
Examples:
- Try → Tries
- Cry → Cries
- Fly → Flies
- Study → Studies
- Carry → Carries
If a word ends in a vowel + y, keep the y and add -s instead.
Examples:
- Play → Plays
- Enjoy → Enjoys
- Stay → Stays
What Is the Plural of Try?
The plural noun is tries. Use it for two or more attempts.
- One try was enough.
- She made three tries before succeeding.
So, tries can be either a verb or a plural noun, depending on the sentence.
Try, Tries, Tried, or Trying?
Each form has a different use:
| Form | Usage | Example |
| Try | Base form | I try every day. |
| Tries | He, she, or it | He tries his best. |
| Tried | Past tense | She tried again. |
| Trying | Continuous form | They are trying now. |
In tried, the y also changes to i before adding -ed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect: He trys to help.
Correct: He tries to help. - Incorrect: They tries every day.
Correct: They try every day. - Incorrect: She tryed again.
Correct: She tried again.
Use tries with he, she, or it. Use try with I, you, we, and they.
Is the Spelling Different in American and British English?
No. American and British English both use tries. The spelling is the same in both varieties.
Easy Memory Trick
Remember: consonant + y changes to ies. That is why try becomes tries, not trys. The same pattern appears in cry and study.
FAQs
How do you spell tries?
Spell it tries: T-R-I-E-S. Trys is incorrect in standard English.
Is trys ever correct?
No. Trys is not the standard spelling of the verb or plural noun.
Is tries the plural of try?
Yes. As a noun, tries means more than one attempt.
Should I write he try or he tries?
Write he tries. A verb ending in consonant + y changes to -ies with he, she, or it.
What is the past tense of try?
The past tense is tried, not tryed.
Conclusion
Tries is correct as both a verb and a plural noun. Remember the consonant + y rule to avoid the common misspelling trys.
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Bryan Garner an experienced English language writer specializing in grammar, usage, word choice, and clear American English. He focuses on making complex language rules simple, accurate, and practical.
Mignon Fogarty
William Strunk