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try to do vs try doing

Both "try to do" and "try doing" are correct and commonly used in English. They can be used interchangeably in many contexts, but there are subtle differences in meaning. "Try to do" implies making an effort to accomplish a specific action, while "try doing" suggests experimenting with an action to see the result.

Last updated: March 20, 2024

try to do

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Use "try to do" when you want to convey the idea of making an effort to accomplish a specific action.

Examples:

  • I will try to finish the project by tomorrow.
  • She tried to learn a new language last year.
  • Hi there. I've got some troubles comprehending that. My grammar book says: try to do = attempt to do, make an effort, try doing =do something as an experiment ...
  • May 3, 2013 ... ... watching the movie." Watch this lesson and find out why. Free quiz on this English grammar lesson: http://www.engvid.com/try-to-do-try-d.
  • May 3, 2013 ... What if I use only “try to do”? I don't ...... but now, I can understand it well, and can explain what's the difference between Try to do and Try doing!
  • Jan 7, 2015 ... One can try to do something and fail and either continue to try until one succeeds or not. On the other hand one can try doing something and ...

Alternatives:

  • attempt to do
  • endeavor to do
  • strive to do
  • aim to do
  • seek to do

try doing

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Use "try doing" when you want to suggest experimenting with an action to see the result.

Examples:

  • He tried doing yoga to reduce stress.
  • Why don't you try doing it differently?
  • Hi there. I've got some troubles comprehending that. My grammar book says: try to do = attempt to do, make an effort, try doing =do something as an experiment ...
  • She tried the door, but it was locked. try doing something John isn't here. Try phoning his home number. Notice the difference between try to do something and ...
  • May 3, 2013 ... English Grammar - "try to do" or "try doing"? Learn English with Emma [engVid]. SubscribeSubscribedUnsubscribe 553,754553K. Loading.
  • Try to do & Try doing, etc. Quiz: Try to do & Try doing, etc. Topic: Gerunds and Infinitives. Level: Intermediate. Instructions: Choose the correct answer. View: As a ...

Alternatives:

  • experiment with doing
  • test doing
  • sample doing
  • give doing a shot
  • have a go at doing

Related Comparisons

need to be vs need doing try contract vs try to contract attempt contract vs try contract doing vs WHAT ARE NOW YOU DOING clever at vs clever doing doing vs do ing

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