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
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
![]()
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