'Try to Do' or 'Try Doing'? What Is the Difference? | Mastering Grammar

Try to Do or Try Doing: What Is the Difference?

Distinguishing between similar-sounding phrases with different meanings is never easy. In English, one such pair is try to do something and try doing something. In this post, we will explore the differences between these two constructions, provide memory aids, and offer examples to help you use them correctly in your writing and speech.

Try to Do Something

When you try to do something, you make an effort to accomplish a task or goal, often implying a challenge or difficulty:

✅ Chris is trying to lose weight.

✅ I'll try to call you later this evening.

✅ They tried to solve the puzzle, but it was too difficult.

✅ He tried to convince her to stay, but she had already made up her mind.

✅ The team will try to win the championship this year.

✅ Anna tried to learn French, but found it very challenging.

Try Doing Something

When you try doing something, you experiment with a new or different approach, often to see if it yields a better result or to solve a problem:

✅ If your back hurts, try stretching in the morning.

✅ Try drinking less coffee to see if your sleep will improve.

✅ If you can't sleep, try drinking a warm glass of milk.

✅ Try turning the computer off and on again if it doesn't work.

✅ You should try meditating to reduce your stress levels.

✅ Try walking to work instead of driving to see if you like it better.

Memory Aid: Effort vs Experiment

To help you remember the difference, think of the following:

1. Try to Do Something (Effort):

• Try To = Target
• Think of To as a Target. When you try to do something, you are making an effort to reach a specific target.

2. Try Doing Something (Experiment):

• Doing = Different Approach
• Think of Doing as Different. When you try doing something, you are experimenting with a different method or approach to see if it works.

Summary

Remember, use try to do something when emphasising effort and potential difficulty, and try doing something when suggesting an experiment with a new approach.

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Examples from the Media

All Democrats can do is try to convince the president they won’t swerve. —The Washington Post (2024)

The Australian Defence Force is facing a major shortfall as it tries to boost personnel numbers. Could generous housing policies unlock a flood of new recruits? —The Sydney Morning Herald (2024)

Skip the coffee sachets and syrups. For those who love their coffee, and lattes or cappuccinos in particular, try making them with ground coffee and real milk, as opposed to powdered sachets, which are ultra-processed. —Daily Mail (2024)

Before you complain to condo board about noisy neighbours, try talking. —Toronto Star (2013)