Try

[Belly T]

When can I use
Try+to inf
try+v-ing?

[mykwyner]

In many, if not most, they are interchangable.

Try writing it this way.
Try to write it this way.

[Dr. Jamshid Ibrahim]

When can I use
Try+to inf
try+v-ing?

1. Try + infinitive refers to - only one time- in the sense of attempt:
I'll try to phone you.
2. Try + gerund refers to - try many times - in the sense of experiment.

This is because experimenting is a retrospective view based on experience (try more than one time) whereas in the case of infinitive it is a prospective view. It doesn't involve any experiment or experience.

[RonBee]

In many, if not most, they are interchangable.

Try writing it this way.
Try to write it this way.

I wouldn't say try to write it this way. That suggests the likelihood of failure. The two usages are not interchangeable in your example.

Don't try. Do.

--Yoda.

~R

[Dr. Jamshid Ibrahim]

I wouldn't say try to write it this way. That suggests the likelihood of failure. The two usages are not interchangeable in your example.

Yes Robee you are right. "Try" in this sense means: experiment:
Try writing it this way.