{"id":273268,"date":"2026-09-10T03:00:57","date_gmt":"2026-09-10T08:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/langcom.org\/?p=273268"},"modified":"2026-09-10T03:00:57","modified_gmt":"2026-09-10T08:00:57","slug":"b2-vocabulary-trying-succeeding-b2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/langcom.org\/zh\/blog\/b2-vocabulary-trying-succeeding-b2\/","title":{"rendered":"B2 Vocabulary: Expressing Effort, Attempts, and Results"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"lc-answer\"><strong>To express the actions of trying, making an effort, and achieving results in English, B2 learners need a range of specific vocabulary, including phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions.<\/strong> These words and phrases help you describe the entire process, from starting an attempt to reaching a goal, or even deciding to stop. For instance, you might <span data-no-translation>have a go at<\/span> a new hobby, <span data-no-translation>make an effort<\/span> to learn a skill, and hopefully <span data-no-translation>manage to<\/span> succeed. Understanding the nuances of terms like <span data-no-translation>give up<\/span> (to stop trying) versus <span data-no-translation>keep it up<\/span> (to continue trying) is crucial for clear and effective communication about persistence and outcomes. Mastering these expressions will significantly enhance your ability to discuss personal achievements, challenges, and aspirations in English.<\/div>\n<h2>How Do We Talk About Starting an Attempt?<\/h2>\n<p>When you begin something new or decide to test an idea, specific phrases help you describe that initial effort.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-no-translation>Have a go at<\/span>:<\/strong> This informal phrase means to try something, often for the first time or for fun. You are attempting it to see what it&#8217;s like.<\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-no-translation>Try out<\/span>:<\/strong> This means to test something to see if it works, is suitable, or if you like it. It implies an experimental period.<\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-no-translation>Make an effort<\/span>:<\/strong> This phrase means to try hard or to use energy and determination to do something. It suggests a conscious decision to put in work and overcome challenges.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"lc-cta lc-cta-placement\" style=\"border-radius:14px;padding:30px;margin:30px 0;text-align:center;color:#fff;background:linear-gradient(135deg,#2B87DA,#29C4A9);\"><h3 style=\"color:#fff;font-size:22px;font-weight:800;margin:0 0 8px;\">\u270d\ufe0f \u4e0d\u786e\u5b9a\u81ea\u5df1\u7684\u6c34\u5e73\u5982\u4f55\uff1f<\/h3><p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;opacity:.95;\">\u53c2\u52a0\u6211\u4eec\u7684\u514d\u8d39\u5206\u7ea7\u6d4b\u8bd5\uff0c\u83b7\u5f97\u7531\u5251\u6865\u8ba4\u8bc1\u8003\u5b98\u63d0\u4f9b\u7684\u4e2a\u6027\u5316\u53cd\u9988\u3002.<\/p><a href=\"\/zh\/%e8%8b%b1%e8%af%ad\/%e5%ad%a6%e9%99%a2\/%e5%85%8d%e8%b4%b9%e6%b5%8b%e8%af%95\/\" style=\"display:inline-block;margin-top:8px;padding:13px 30px;border-radius:8px;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;background:#0A2540;color:#fff;\">\u53c2\u52a0\u6211\u4eec\u7684\u514d\u8d39\u5206\u7ea7\u6d4b\u8bd5<\/a><\/div>\n<h2>What Vocabulary Shows You Are Continuing to Try?<\/h2>\n<p>If you are persistent and continue with a task or habit, these phrases are very useful.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-no-translation>Keep to<\/span>:<\/strong> This often refers to continuing a plan, rule, routine, or promise. You are adhering to something you started or agreed upon.<\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-no-translation>Keep it up<\/span>:<\/strong> This is an encouraging phrase, meaning to continue doing something well. It's often used to motivate someone to maintain their good performance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How Do You Say You Are Stopping?<\/h2>\n<p>Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we decide to stop trying. This phrasal verb is essential for that context.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-no-translation>Give up<\/span>:<\/strong> This phrasal verb means to stop trying to do something, especially because it is too difficult, or you feel discouraged. It can also mean to stop a habit or addiction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>What Words Describe Success or Failure?<\/h2>\n<p>After putting in effort, you will either succeed or not. These terms help you describe the outcome.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-no-translation>Manage to<\/span>:<\/strong> This means to succeed in doing something, especially something difficult, after trying hard. It often implies overcoming an obstacle or challenge.<\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-no-translation>Work out<\/span>:<\/strong> When an action, plan, or situation <span data-no-translation>works out<\/span>, it means it is successful or has a good result. It can also mean to solve a problem or to develop in a particular way.<\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-no-translation>Successfully<\/span>:<\/strong> This is an adverb that describes doing something in a way that achieves the desired result. It indicates that an action had a positive outcome.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<table>\n<caption>Key Vocabulary for Trying and Succeeding<\/caption>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>&lt;span data-no-translation&gt;Word\/Phrase&lt;\/span&gt;<\/th>\n<th>&lt;span data-no-translation&gt;Meaning&lt;\/span&gt;<\/th>\n<th>&lt;span data-no-translation&gt;Example&lt;\/span&gt;<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-no-translation>have a go at<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-no-translation>To try something, often for the first time or for fun.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-no-translation>Why don't you have a go at pottery?<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-no-translation>try out<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-no-translation>To test something to see if it works or is suitable.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-no-translation>Let's try out this new recipe.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-no-translation>make an effort<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-no-translation>To try hard; to put energy into doing something.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-no-translation>You need to make an effort to improve.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-no-translation>keep to<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-no-translation>To continue doing something, often a plan or rule.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-no-translation>He always keeps to his promises.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-no-translation>keep it up<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-no-translation>To continue doing something well. (Often used as encouragement)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-no-translation>Great job! Keep it up!<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-no-translation>give up<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-no-translation>To stop trying to do something.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-no-translation>Never give up on your goals.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-no-translation>manage to<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-no-translation>To succeed in doing something difficult.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-no-translation>She managed to finish the project on time.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-no-translation>work out<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-no-translation>To be successful or have a good result (for a plan\/situation).<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-no-translation>I hope everything works out for you.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-no-translation>successfully<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-no-translation>In a way that achieves the desired result.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-no-translation>They successfully launched the new product.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2>\u793a\u4f8b<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-no-translation>I'm going to have a go at painting this weekend.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-no-translation>She decided to try out the new gym membership for a month.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-no-translation>You need to make an effort if you want to pass the exam.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-no-translation>It's important to keep to your study schedule.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-no-translation>You're doing great with your English; keep it up!<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-no-translation>Don't give up on your dreams, even if they seem far away.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-no-translation>Despite the bad weather, they managed to reach the summit.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-no-translation>I hope our travel plans work out well.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-no-translation>He successfully completed the challenging project ahead of schedule.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>\u7ec3\u4e60<\/h2>\n<div class=\"h5p-iframe-wrapper\"><iframe id=\"h5p-iframe-1314\" class=\"h5p-iframe\" data-content-id=\"1314\" style=\"height:1px\" src=\"about:blank\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" title=\"A01 L2 VOCABULARY Trying and succeeding\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<div class=\"lc-cta lc-cta-exam\" style=\"border-radius:14px;padding:30px;margin:30px 0;text-align:center;color:#fff;background:#0A2540;\"><h3 style=\"color:#F2B705;font-size:22px;font-weight:800;margin:0 0 8px;\">\u51c6\u5907\u597d\u83b7\u5f97\u8bc1\u4e66\u4e86\u5417\uff1f<\/h3><p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;opacity:.92;\">Langcom \u8bfe\u7a0b\u65e8\u5728\u5e2e\u52a9\u5b66\u751f\u5907\u8003\u5251\u6865\u8003\u8bd5\u3001IELTS\u3001TOEFL\u3001DELE\u3001SIELE \u548c Michigan \u8003\u8bd5\u3002.<\/p><a href=\"\/zh\/\" style=\"display:inline-block;margin-top:8px;padding:13px 30px;border-radius:8px;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;background:#F2B705;color:#0A2540;\">\u5f00\u59cb\u4f7f\u7528 Langcom<\/a><\/div>\n<h2>\u897f\u73ed\u7259\u8bed\u6bcd\u8bed\u8005\u5e38\u72af\u7684\u9519\u8bef<\/h2>\n<p>Be careful with these common errors when using vocabulary related to trying and succeeding:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>\u4ee4\u4eba\u56f0\u60d1 <span data-no-translation>try<\/span> \u4e0e <span data-no-translation>try out<\/span> \/ <span data-no-translation>have a go at<\/span>:<\/strong> \u867d\u7136 <span data-no-translation>try<\/span> is a general verb, <span data-no-translation>try out<\/span> \u548c <span data-no-translation>have a go at<\/span> specifically imply an experimental or initial attempt.\n<ul>\n<li>Less specific: <span data-no-translation>I will try a new sport.<\/span><\/li>\n<li>More natural for a first attempt: <span data-no-translation>I will have a go at a new sport.<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Less specific: <span data-no-translation>I tried the new software.<\/span><\/li>\n<li>More natural for testing: <span data-no-translation>I tried out the new software to see if it was good.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Direct translation of \"lograr\" or \"conseguir\" to only <span data-no-translation>achieve<\/span>:<\/strong> \u867d\u7136 <span data-no-translation>achieve<\/span> is correct, <span data-no-translation>manage to<\/span> is often more natural for specific, difficult actions.\n<ul>\n<li>Less natural: <span data-no-translation>I achieved to finish the marathon.<\/span><\/li>\n<li>More natural: <span data-no-translation>I managed to finish the marathon.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>\u4f7f\u7528 <span data-no-translation>work out<\/span> incorrectly for personal effort:<\/strong> <span data-no-translation>Work out<\/span> is for plans, situations, or problems, not usually for a person's direct effort in the sense of \"I worked out to do it.\"\n<ul>\n<li>\u9519\u8bef\uff1a <span data-no-translation>I worked out to learn English.<\/span><\/li>\n<li>\u6b63\u786e\uff1a <span data-no-translation>I made an effort to learn English.<\/span> (The plan itself might <span data-no-translation>work out<\/span>, but not the person directly)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>\u5e38\u89c1\u95ee\u9898<\/h2>\n<h3>\u4ee5\u4e0b\u4e24\u8005\u6709\u4ec0\u4e48\u533a\u522b\uff1a <span data-no-translation>try out<\/span> \u548c <span data-no-translation>have a go at<\/span>?<\/h3>\n<p><span data-no-translation>Try out<\/span> often implies testing something to see if it's suitable, effective, or enjoyable, like a new product or method. <span data-no-translation>Have a go at<\/span> is more informal and means to attempt something, often for enjoyment or simply to experience it, without necessarily a strong goal of mastery. For example, you might <span data-no-translation>try out<\/span> a new car before buying it, but <span data-no-translation>have a go at<\/span> a new dance class for fun.<\/p>\n<h3>Can <span data-no-translation>work out<\/span> mean something else?<\/h3>\n<p>\u662f\u7684\uff0c, <span data-no-translation>work out<\/span> has several meanings. It can mean to do physical exercise (<span data-no-translation>I work out at the gym three times a week<\/span>), or to calculate something (<span data-no-translation>Can you work out the total cost for me?<\/span>). In this lesson, we focus on its meaning of \"to succeed\" or \"to have a good result\" for plans or situations.<\/p>\n<h3>When should I use <span data-no-translation>manage to<\/span> instead of just <span data-no-translation>succeed<\/span>?<\/h3>\n<p>\u4f7f\u7528 <span data-no-translation>manage to<\/span> when you want to emphasize that something was difficult, challenging, or required special effort, but you still achieved it. <span data-no-translation>Succeed<\/span> is a more general verb for achieving a goal. For example, <span data-no-translation>I succeeded in passing the exam<\/span> is correct, but <span data-no-translation>I managed to pass the exam despite being ill<\/span> highlights the difficulty you overcame.<\/p>\n<h2>\u76f8\u5173\u8bfe\u7a0b<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/langcom.org\/zh\/?p=273003\">Trying and succeeding vocabulary<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To express the actions of trying, making an effort, and achieving results in English, B2 learners need a range of specific vocabulary, including phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions. These words and phrases help you describe the entire process, from starting an attempt to reaching a goal, or even deciding to stop. For instance, you might [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":192,"featured_media":274212,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"bwfblock_default_font":"","langcom_teaches":"Trying and succeeding vocabulary","langcom_cefr":"B2","langcom_type":"vocabulary","langcom_faq":"[{\"q\": \"What is the difference between <span data-no-translation>try out<\/span> and <span data-no-translation>have a go at<\/span>?\", \"a\": \"<span data-no-translation>Try out<\/span> often implies testing something to see if it's suitable, effective, or enjoyable, like a new product or method. <span data-no-translation>Have a go at<\/span> is more informal and means to attempt something, often for enjoyment or simply to experience it, without necessarily a strong goal of mastery. For example, you might <span data-no-translation>try out<\/span> a new car before buying it, but <span data-no-translation>have a go at<\/span> a new dance class for fun.\"}, {\"q\": \"Can <span data-no-translation>work out<\/span> mean something else?\", \"a\": \"Yes, <span data-no-translation>work out<\/span> has several meanings. It can mean to do physical exercise (<span data-no-translation>I work out at the gym three times a week<\/span>), or to calculate something (<span data-no-translation>Can you work out the total cost for me?<\/span>). In this lesson, we focus on its meaning of \\\"to succeed\\\" or \\\"to have a good result\\\" for plans or situations.\"}, {\"q\": \"When should I use <span data-no-translation>manage to<\/span> instead of just <span data-no-translation>succeed<\/span>?\", \"a\": \"Use <span data-no-translation>manage to<\/span> when you want to emphasize that something was difficult, challenging, or required special effort, but you still achieved it. <span data-no-translation>Succeed<\/span> is a more general verb for achieving a goal. For example, <span data-no-translation>I succeeded in passing the exam<\/span> is correct, but <span data-no-translation>I managed to pass the exam despite being ill<\/span> highlights the difficulty you overcame.\"}]","_kiss_seo_title":"","_kiss_seo_excerpt":"To express the actions of trying, making an effort, and achieving results in English, B2 learners need a range of specific vocabulary, 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