Really a wrong sentence?

[ottawasenator]

Hi,

Is this sentence really wrong?

1.Most students appreciate their principal's try to improve school conditions.

In the grammar book said that the word "try" is wrong to use in this sentence. It should be "trying".

2.Most students appreciate their principal's trying to improve school conditions.

However, the word "try" has 2 parts of speech; Verb & Noun.
Can't we really say 1 ?
If l is really wrong, could you give me a good reason?
I don't get this!!!!

Thank you for your time.

 

[MikeNewYork]

First of all, "principle's" should be "Principal's".

The grammar book gave you the best advice. "Trying" is a gerund and acts as a noun. It is modified by the possessive adjective "Principal's". However, "try" can also be a noun. So it is not completely wrong, but it would tend to suggest a single effort, not a continuous one. It is not very natural here.

 

[tedmc]

Instead of 'try' or 'trying', I woud prefer words like 'efforts', 'attempts' or 'endeavours' which are nouns by themselves and not derived from verbs.

not a teacher

 

[ottawasenator]

Hi MikeNewYork,

I'm sorry about my wrong spelling.

ottawasenator

 

[BobK]

Mnemonic: A pal is a person. (So's a principal.)

b