Trys or Tries: The Simple Answer You Have Been Waiting For

You are writing a sentence. You type the word, pause, and stare at the screen. Is it “trys” or “tries”? It looks like it could go either way. But one of them is completely wrong, and using it makes your writing look unprofessional. The good news? The correct answer is simple. It is always “tries.” The word “trys” does not exist in standard English. Let that sink in, and then read on for the full picture.

What Is the Correct Word: Trys or Tries?

The correct word is always “tries.” The spelling “trys” is a common error, but it is not recognized in any standard English dictionary.

When you add “-s” or “-es” to a verb ending in a consonant followed by “y,” the “y” changes to “i” before adding “-es.” So “try” becomes “tries.” This is a basic English spelling rule, and it applies every single time.

Whether you are using it as a verb (“She tries her best”) or as a noun (“He gets two tries”), the spelling stays the same. No exceptions, no debate.

Why Do People Write “Trys” in the First Place?

It is a perfectly understandable mistake. English teaches us to add “-s” to make things plural or to form the third-person present tense. Think: “play” becomes “plays,” “run” becomes “runs.” So the brain assumes “try” becomes “trys.”

The problem is that English has a special rule for words ending in a consonant plus “y.” Instead of just adding “-s,” you drop the “y” and add “-ies.” This trips up native speakers and learners alike.

Think of it like this: the “y” at the end of “try” is shy. It does not like being at the end alone. So it invites the letter “i” to join before the “-es” walks in. That is how you get “tries.”

The Simple Spelling Rule Behind “Tries”

This one rule covers dozens of English words, so it is worth knowing by heart.

If a verb ends in a consonant + y, change the “y” to “i” and add “-es”:

• try > tries
• carry > carries
• fly > flies
• study > studies
• worry > worries

Now here is the flip side. If the word ends in a vowel + y, you just add “-s” without changing anything:

• play > plays
• buy > buys
• enjoy > enjoys

“Try” ends in the letter “r” (a consonant) followed by “y.” So it follows the first pattern. The result is “tries,” every single time.

Tries as a Verb: How to Use It Correctly

As a verb, “tries” is the third-person singular present tense of “try.” You use it when the subject is he, she, it, or any singular noun.

• She tries to stay calm during exams.
• He tries a new recipe every weekend.
• The team tries its best in every game.
• The engine tries to start but fails.

Notice that you would never say “She trys” or “He trys.” Those sentences are grammatically incorrect. If you spotted “trys” in a published article, it is a typo, not a style choice.

Tries as a Noun: Yes, It Works That Way Too

“Tries” also works as the plural noun form of “try.” When you use “try” to mean an attempt, the plural is “tries,” not “trys.”

• He took three tries before solving the puzzle.
• The coach gave the players two tries to get it right.
• After many tries, she finally passed the driving test.

In rugby, a “try” is also a scoring term, and its plural follows the same rule. You score “tries,” not “trys.” Even sports writing gets this one right.

Quick Comparison: Trys vs Tries at a Glance

Feature	Tries	Trys
Correct spelling	Yes	No
Subject	He / She / It	Never used
Verb form	Third-person singular	Not a verb form
In dictionary	Yes	No
Plural of “try”	Tries (noun)	Not valid
Common mistake	Rarely confused	Yes, very common

Historical and Biblical Usage of “Tries”

The word “try” has been in the English language since at least the 14th century. It originally meant to separate or refine, as in testing something through a process. Over time, it shifted to mean to make an attempt.

In the King James Bible, you will find “tries” used in the sense of testing or proving something. Proverbs 17:3 reads: “the LORD tries the hearts.” This reflects the older meaning of the word, where trying meant examining or refining, much like a refiner tests metal.

So “tries” is not a modern invention. It has deep historical roots in both literature and scripture, and the spelling has remained consistent throughout.

“Tries” vs “Attempts”: Is There a Difference?

People sometimes wonder whether to write “tries” or “attempts.” Both are correct. They mean nearly the same thing, but the tone is slightly different.

• “Tries” sounds more casual and conversational.
• “Attempts” sounds more formal or official.

For everyday writing, blogging, or storytelling, “tries” fits perfectly. For legal documents, academic writing, or formal reports, “attempts” might feel more appropriate. Either way, both are grammatically correct.

Common Sentences Where People Get It Wrong

Here are a few examples showing the wrong and right way to write these sentences.

Wrong: “He trys to be kind.” Right: “He tries to be kind.”

Wrong: “She always trys her hardest.” Right: “She always tries her hardest.”

Wrong: “The machine trys to reboot.” Right: “The machine tries to reboot.”

Reading these side by side makes the error obvious. “Trys” just does not look right once you know the rule, and it will never look right again.

Which One Should You Use? (Spoiler: Always “Tries”)

There is no situation in standard English where “trys” is the correct choice. It does not matter whether you are writing a formal email, a school essay, a social media caption, or a novel.

• Verb form? Use “tries.”
• Plural noun? Use “tries.”
• Past tense? That is “tried,” not “trys” or “tryed.”
• Present participle? That is “trying.”

“Tries” covers both roles, and “trys” covers none. Once you accept this, you will never second-guess yourself again.

Other Words That Follow the Same Pattern as “Tries”

Now that you know the rule, you can apply it confidently to many other words. Here are some common ones that follow the same consonant + y pattern:

• deny > denies
• rely > relies
• qualify > qualifies
• justify > justifies
• copy > copies
• supply > supplies
• multiply > multiplies

Every single one of these follows the same logic as “tries.” Change the “y” to “i” and add “-es.” If you ever feel unsure, just ask yourself: does the word end in a consonant followed by “y”? If yes, the rule applies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is “trys” ever correct in any form of English?

No. “Trys” is not recognized in British English, American English, Australian English, or any other standard variety. It is a spelling error regardless of region or style guide.

What is the past tense of “try”? Is it “tryed” or “tried”?

The past tense is “tried,” not “tryed.” The same consonant plus “y” rule applies here too. Drop the “y,” add “-ied.” So: try > tried > tries.

Can I use “tries” in formal writing?

Yes, absolutely. “Tries” is perfectly appropriate in both formal and informal writing. If the context is very formal, you might prefer “attempts,” but “tries” is always grammatically correct.

Final Takeaway: One Word Wins Every Time

The confusion between “trys” and “tries” comes from a simple misunderstanding of English spelling rules. Once you see the pattern, the correct answer becomes obvious and permanent.

“Tries” is correct. “Trys” is not a word.

Use “tries” when talking about what someone does in the present, and use “tries” when referring to multiple attempts as a noun. The spelling does not change. The rule does not change. And now that you know it, your writing will not let you down either.

The next time your brain tries to convince you that “trys” might be right, you can confidently tell it to try harder.