[Grammar] try to, try ~ing

[dorimon]

What's the difference of try to and try ~ing?

 

[riquecohen]

Some verbs can be followed by another verb in the infinitive, while others can be followed by the -ing form. There are many verbs that can be followed by either form, often with the same meaning and often with a different meaning. In the case of try, can you provide us with the verb that you would like to follow it with?

Example: Try to give us an example.
Try giving us an example.

BTW, the to belongs to the infinitive that follows, not to try.

 

[keannu]

Welcome! My friend, Dorimon!!! You will learn from so many great teachers here as I have done so far.
I've also asked about the difference betwen "try to" and "try ~ing", and my opinon is like this.

"try to" is about "making an effort to achieve something, focusing on the process", while "try ~ing" is about "actually doing something" .

Past : I tried to call her. (I made an effort to call her, but failed)
I tried calling her.(I actually made a call to her)

Present :I'm trying to call her.(I'm making an effort, but it's not evident if I will make it)
I'm trying calling her. (similar to "trying to")

Future : I will try to call her.(I will make an effort to call her)
I will try calling her.(I will actually call her)

 

[Chicken Sandwich]

NOT A TEACHER

You may wish to consult Raymond Murphy's English Grammar in Use (or a different grammar book of course). He explains the difference on p. 114. The following two sentences illustrate the difference:

I tried to move the table, but it was too heavy. (so I couldn't move it)
I didn't like the way the furniture was arranged, so I tried moving the table to the other side of the room. But it didn't look right, so I moved it back again.

 

[tom3m]

NOT A TEACHER

Although your question has been answered, you can take a look at some more examples in other similar threads :

https://www.usingenglish.com/forum/ask-teacher/139659-try-trying-2-a.html

https://www.usingenglish.com/forum/general-language-discussions/713-infinitive-gerund.html