phrase (structure) · neutral

try + V-ing / try to + V

Band 4-5speakingtask2

try + V-ing = attempt something as an experiment; try to + V = make an effort to do something (may be difficult).

Examples

“If you're stressed, try going for a short walk.”

“I tried to fix the printer but it still didn't work.”

“She tried opening the window to let in fresh air.”

Band 8 sentence

“When the computer froze, I tried restarting it first before calling tech support.”

Collocations

  • try + V-ing (try reading / try restarting)
  • try to + V (try to finish / try to call)

Word family

try verbtrying verb / gerund

Common mistakes

I tried to restart my phone and it helped.→I tried restarting my phone and it helped.

He tried opening the door but couldn't.→He tried to open the door but couldn't.

Say it for a higher band

5try to + V→6try + V-ing→7+try + V-ing / try to + V

Synonyms

attempt

experiment (with)

Easily confused

attempt to + V

“She attempted to solve the problem for over an hour.”

Related words

look forward to + V-ingfor + somebody + to + Vavoid + V-ingbe likely to + Vbegin / start + V-ing / to + Vprevent + somebody + from + V-ingturn out + to + Vas well as + V-ing

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In Gerunds & infinitives

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