Can I try it on?
A2
Everyday Phrase
Neutral
Very Common
Meaning
A question asking to put on clothes in a shop to see if they fit.
When to use it
A customer says “Can I try it on?” to a shop assistant when choosing clothes. It is neutral and polite. It is not suitable for asking to taste food or test a machine.
Example Sentence
This jacket looks nice. Can I try it on?
Grammar & structure
Can + I + try + it + on?
✓ Correct
I like this jacket. Can I try it on?
This hat looks a bit small. Can I try it on?
I'm not sure about the size of this dress. Can I try it on?
✗ Incorrect
This soup smells delicious. Can I try it on?
I want to check how fast this laptop is. Can I try it on?
Use “it” for one item of clothing. “Try on” means to put clothes on to check the fit. The question sounds polite and natural.
How to reply
Similar expressions
Could I try this on?
A slightly softer way to ask. Use “this” when pointing to or holding the item.
Can I try these on?
Use this for more than one item, or for things like shoes and jeans.
Where are the fitting rooms?
This asks where to change, rather than asking permission to try something on.
Don't confuse it with
Can I try it?
— A question asking to taste, use or test something.
For cake, ask “Can I try it?”, not “Can I try it on?”
Common mistakes
✗ This cake looks good. Can I try it on?
✓ This cake looks good. Can I try it?
You taste cake; you do not wear it. Leave out “on”.
✗ These shoes look nice. Can I try it on?
✓ These shoes look nice. Can I try these on?
“It” means one thing. Use “these” or “them” for a pair of shoes.
Dialogue
Maya is choosing a jacket in a clothes shop, and Ben is the shop assistant.
Maya
Excuse me, do you have this jacket in a medium?
Ben
Yes, here you go.
Maya
Thanks. Can I try it on?
Ben
Of course. The fitting room is just behind you.
Maya
Great. I'll see if it fits.
Ben
Let me know if you need another size.
Complete the conversation
1. A: I like this shirt. Can I try it on?
B: ___
2. A: Here's the sweater in your size.
B: ___
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