Tryout vs. Try Out
The closed form is an established informal noun, while the open form is verbal. The hyphenated noun “try-out” also occurs, so the core decision is grammatical role first and house style second.
Use “tryout” as a noun for a test, audition, or selection event. Use “try out” as a phrasal verb meaning test something or compete for a place or role. “Try-out” is also an established noun spelling.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / context | Use | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| noun naming a test, audition, or selection event | tryout / try-out | Use the noun spelling preferred by your style. |
| verb meaning test something | try out | Keep the phrasal verb open. |
| verb meaning compete for a team place or role | try out | The open form is verbal. |
Quick tests
Decision test
Is the expression an action that can take a subject and tense, such as “they will ___ the equipment”?
If yes: Use “try out.”
If no: If it names the event or test, use noun “tryout” or the style-approved “try-out.”
Caveat: Do not claim that only the closed noun exists; hyphenated “try-out” is also recorded.
Examples
The team will hold a tryout on Saturday.
“Tryout” is the noun naming the selection event.
We should try out the new microphone before the event.
“Try out” is the phrasal verb.
She plans to try out for the school play.
The open form is the verb describing competition for a role.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use the noun spelling preferred by your style.
Fast Test
Use “try out.” If it names the event or test, use noun “tryout” or the style-approved “try-out.”
Usage Boundary
Do not claim that only the closed noun exists; hyphenated “try-out” is also recorded.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- tryout (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Tryout is a noun for a test, audition, or competition to assess suitability or effectiveness.
- try something out (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Try out is a phrasal verb meaning to test or use something to see how it works or whether it is liked; in US usage it also appears in competing for a role or team place.