[Grammar] try to, try ~ing

Status
Not open for further replies.
D

dorimon

New member
Joined
Oct 4, 2012
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
Korean
Home Country
South Korea
Current Location
South Korea
What's the difference of try to and try ~ing?
 
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.
 
Last edited:
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)
 
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.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

A
  • Locked
I try to fight off/back negative emotions.
Replies
2
Views
560
teechar
teechar
D
  • Locked
These individuals, known as refugees, take a try and travel to a foreign country in order to save themselves.
Replies
3
Views
548
teechar
teechar
H
  • Locked
try not to, don't try / tend not to, don't tend to
Replies
2
Views
579
Piscean
P
B
  • Locked
If you like, we will let you try oysters.
Replies
9
Views
1K
bruxinha
B
N
  • Locked
Go anywhere/wherever and people will try to swindle you.
Replies
2
Views
666
5jj
5jj

Ask a Teacher

If you have a question about the English language and would like to ask one of our many English teachers and language experts, please click the button below to let us know:

(Requires Registration)

Share this page

Back
Top