I tried topping up my phone's account with 1000 rupees but I couldn't do it.

[tufguy]

I tried topping up my phone's account with 1000 rupees but I couldn't do it.

Do we say "I tried topping up "? Is it correct to say ths?

 

[5jj]

No. That means that you did top it up (to see what would happen). You need 'tried to top up'.

 

[tufguy]

No. That means that you did top it up (to see what would happen). You need 'tried to top up'.

Okay if we say anything after "Tried doing" it actually means that we were able to do that and we did that as an experiment to see what happens next. Did I get it right?

 

[tedmc]

Okay if we say anything after "Tried doing" it actually means that we were able to do that and we did that as an experiment to see what happens next. Did I get it right?

I think it means you got into the action (you did do it) of topping up though the outcome/result was uncertain.

 

[Tdol]

Okay if we say anything after "Tried doing" it actually means that we were able to do that and we did that as an experiment to see what happens next. Did I get it right?

Yes- I tried flicking the switch, but the lights didn't come on.