Cool MateTrying vs Working
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Trying
Top 2,000 (common)
Working
Top 1,000 (very common)A2adjective
Most common: Working
| Trying | Working | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈtraɪ.ɪŋ//🇺🇸 //ˈtraɪ.ɪŋ// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈwɜːkɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈwɜːrkɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | Making an effort to do something. | Doing a job or task. |
| Example | She is trying to finish her homework before dinner. | She has a working knowledge of French. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | A2 |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | trying hard, trying times, trying situation, trying new things, trying your luck | working hours, working relationship, working condition |
| Antonyms | giving up, quitting | idle, inactive, unemployed |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'try' and 'attempt' - 'trying' emphasizes effort., Using 'trying' as an adjective incorrectly without context., Forgetting to use 'to' after 'trying' when followed by another verb. | Confused with 'work' as a noun and a verb., 'Working' used without a clear object or context is unclear. |
| Usage notes | Use 'trying' when describing efforts; it can be emotional or physical. More common in informal settings when discussing challenges. | Used in both formal and informal contexts. Suitable for discussing jobs, tasks, or involvement in activities. Avoid in very formal writing where more precise terms may be required. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Trying vs Working
What's the difference between Trying and Working?
Trying: Making an effort to do something. Working: Doing a job or task.
Which is more common: Trying and Working?
Working is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Trying: She is trying to finish her homework before dinner. Working: She has a working knowledge of French.
Can I use Trying and Working interchangeably?
Not always. Trying and Working are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.