Results 1 to 3 of 3
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Posts
    14

    Default The meaning of "try" when followed by a greund or an infinitive

    Dear teachers,
    After reading some sources about gerunds and infinitives I can't seem to succeed in concluding whether there is a difference in meaning in the following sentences:
    I tried using a computer, but it wasn’t any good (= experimented with a new or different approach.)
    He tried hard to pass the exam (= made an effort or attempt)
    But what about:
    I will try talking to her.
    I will try to talk to her.
    Is there a difference here?
    Thanks
    miniwave

  2. #2
    Tdol is offline Editor, UsingEnglish.com
    • Member Info
      • Member Type:
      • English Teacher
      • Native Language:
      • British English
      • Home Country:
      • UK
      • Current Location:
      • Philippines
    Join Date
    Nov 2002
    Posts
    35,345
    Teacher

    Default Re: The meaning of "try" when followed by a greund or an infinitive

    Yes:
    I will try talking to her- I will talk to her and see if I can persuade her (or whatever)
    I will try to talk to her- I will attempt to get in touch with her, but might not manage to speak to her

  3. #3
    Casiopea's Avatar
    Casiopea is offline VIP Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Posts
    12,971

    Default Re: The meaning of "try" when followed by a greund or an infinitive

    Welcome, miniwave.

    In addition,

    try + to suggests that the action in the infinitive is difficult and the person may not be successful in doing that action

    try + -ing suggests that the action in the gerund is not difficult but we don't know if the consequence of that action will be what we want. We use try + gerund when we do something to discover what the consequence will be.

    Read more here

Similar Threads

  1. Split infinitive, again
    By M56 in forum General Language Discussions
    Replies: 17
    Last Post: 21-Sep-2005, 20:19
  2. Replies: 6
    Last Post: 05-Sep-2005, 13:36
  3. UNDERSTAND MEANING...please help
    By Anonymous in forum Ask a Teacher
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 08-Jun-2005, 03:49
  4. about 'to + infinitive'
    By sariputra in forum Ask a Teacher
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 26-May-2005, 08:11

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0