Try + Gerundio vs Infinitivo: ¿Esfuerzo o Experimento?
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'try to' for difficult efforts and 'try -ing' for testing new solutions or experiments.
- Try + to-infinitive: Making an effort to do something hard (e.g., I tried to lift the heavy box).
- Try + gerund (-ing): Testing a method to see if it works (e.g., Try adding salt to the soup).
- Negatives: 'Try not to' (effort to avoid) vs 'Don't try -ing' (advice against an experiment).
Overview
try en inglés es un ejemplo perfecto de cómo una pequeña elección gramatical puede cambiar completamente el significado de lo que quieres decir. Como hablantes nativos de español, estamos acostumbrados a utilizar el verbo 'intentar' o 'tratar de' seguido siempre de un infinitivo ('intentar hacer', 'tratar de comer'). Sin embargo, en inglés, la estructura cambia radicalmente dependiendo de si estás hablando de un esfuerzo consciente hacia una meta o de una prueba experimental.try + to-infinitive y try + gerund se basa en la función gramatical de cada forma verbal. En español, usamos el infinitivo como el complemento natural de verbos de intento. En inglés, el infinitivo (to-infinitive) denota propósito, meta o una acción futura no completada.try to do, estás enfocándote en el 'esfuerzo' o la 'lucha' hacia un objetivo. Imagínate que estás en el gimnasio tratando de levantar una pesa muy pesada: 'I am trying to lift this weight'. Aquí, el foco es el esfuerzo, la energía que estás invirtiendo, y el resultado es incierto.-ing) en inglés funciona casi como un sustantivo, representando una 'actividad' o un 'método'. Cuando usas try + doing, estás realizando un experimento. Estás probando una técnica para ver qué sucede.try se conjuga normalmente según el tiempo verbal (pasado, presente, continuo), y lo que cambia es el complemento. No hay cambios en la raíz del verbo try.try + to + verb | I try to study, He tried to help |try + verb-ing | I try studying, He tried helping |She tries to wake up early.(Meta: ella se esfuerza por lograrlo).She tries waking up early.(Experimento: ella prueba si levantarse temprano le funciona).We have been trying to fix the car.(Esfuerzo continuo).We should try fixing the car ourselves.(Sugerencia de un experimento/método).
try + to-infinitive cuando tu intención sea destacar la dificultad o el propósito. Por ejemplo, en una entrevista de trabajo: 'I tried to solve the conflict between the departments'. Aquí estás enfatizando tu esfuerzo por lograr una resolución.try + gerund cuando actúas como un científico o alguien que busca soluciones. Imagina que estás en un café y el azúcar no se disuelve bien. Alguien te dice: 'Try stirring it more vigorously'.- 1La trampa del 'esfuerzo' en todo: Muchos hispanohablantes dicen 'I tried to restart the phone' incluso cuando solo están probando si eso arregla el teléfono. Esto ocurre por la interferencia del español 'intentar hacer'. Debes recordar que si es un método, el gerundio es más natural: 'I tried restarting the phone'.
- 2Confundir el objetivo con el método: A veces, el estudiante intenta usar el infinitivo para todo porque suena 'más correcto'. Ejemplo: 'I tried to eating healthy'. Esto es incorrecto porque el gerundio es necesario para hablar de la actividad de comer sano como un experimento de vida. La causa es que en español decimos 'intenté comer sano', y el cerebro busca la forma más cercana, ignorando que el inglés exige el gerundio para actividades generales.
- 3El uso de 'try and': En español, a veces decimos 'intenta y hazlo'. En inglés, algunos nativos dicen 'Try and visit us', pero esto es coloquial. Para un estudiante B1, es mejor evitarlo y usar 'Try to visit us', ya que 'try and' puede confundirse con dos acciones separadas (intentar y visitar).
stop o remember.- 1¿Puedo usar siempre el infinitivo? No. Aunque te entenderán, perderás matices importantes. Si dices 'I tried opening the door', suena a que probaste a abrir la puerta para ver si estaba cerrada. Si dices 'I tried to open the door', suena a que la puerta estaba atascada y te esforzaste por abrirla.
- 2¿Qué pasa si la acción es muy difícil? Si es difícil, usa siempre
to-infinitive. La dificultad es la señal clara de que hay un esfuerzo involucrado. - 3¿Es el gerundio siempre una prueba? En el caso de
try, sí. Casi siempre implica que estás probando algo para ver qué resultado da.
Conjugating 'Try' with Infinitives and Gerunds
| Tense | Try Form | Effort (Infinitive) | Experiment (Gerund) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Present Simple
|
try / tries
|
I try to sleep.
|
I try sleeping.
|
|
Present Continuous
|
am/is/are trying
|
He is trying to win.
|
He is trying running.
|
|
Past Simple
|
tried
|
We tried to help.
|
We tried helping.
|
|
Present Perfect
|
have/has tried
|
She has tried to call.
|
She has tried calling.
|
|
Future
|
will try
|
They will try to fix it.
|
They will try fixing it.
|
|
Modal
|
should try
|
You should try to go.
|
You should try going.
|
Informal Contractions
| Full Form | Informal Form | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
|
Try to
|
Try and
|
Very common in spoken English (e.g., 'Try and see').
|
|
Trying to
|
Tryna
|
Slang, used in texting and lyrics (e.g., 'I'm tryna help').
|
Meanings
The verb 'try' changes its meaning based on whether it is followed by an infinitive (to + verb) or a gerund (verb + -ing). It distinguishes between attempting a difficult task and testing a possible solution.
Physical or Mental Effort
Using 'try to' indicates that the action is difficult and the subject is making a sincere attempt to succeed, though they might fail.
“She tried to run the marathon despite her injury.”
“I'm trying to understand this complex math problem.”
Experimental Method
Using 'try -ing' suggests that the action itself is easy to perform, but you are doing it to see if it solves a different problem.
“If you have a headache, try drinking more water.”
“Try restarting your computer to fix the glitch.”
Polite Suggestions
In advice-giving, 'try -ing' is used to offer options to someone facing a dilemma.
“Have you tried talking to your boss about the promotion?”
“You should try sleeping on your left side.”
Reference Table
| Estructura | Significado | Ejemplo | Pista |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Try + to-infinitive
|
Hacer un esfuerzo; intentar
|
She tried to open the heavy door.
|
Enfócate en la lucha/meta.
|
|
Try + gerund (-ing)
|
Experimentar; probar un método
|
She tried pushing the door open.
|
Enfócate en probar una solución.
|
|
Try + to-infinitive
|
Esforzarse por un objetivo difícil
|
He tried to learn a new language.
|
A menudo implica dificultad.
|
|
Try + gerund (-ing)
|
Buscar un efecto o experiencia
|
He tried listening to podcasts.
|
Probar algo.
|
|
Try + to-infinitive
|
Énfasis en el intento
|
Just try to believe in yourself.
|
Proceso de hacer un esfuerzo.
|
|
Try + gerund (-ing)
|
Énfasis en el resultado de la acción
|
Try calling them again.
|
Ver si funciona.
|
Espectro de formalidad
I would suggest that you try taking an analgesic. (Medical advice)
Try taking an aspirin for your headache. (Medical advice)
Try popping an aspirin. (Medical advice)
Try hitting some Tylenol. (Medical advice)
Try: Esfuerzo vs. Experimento
Try + To-Infinitive
- Esfuerzo Intentar algo difícil
- Orientado a metas Esforzarse por lograr un propósito
- Resultado incierto El éxito no está garantizado
- Ejemplo Try to lift (a heavy box)
Try + Gerund (-ing)
- Experimento Probar un método o solución
- Resolución de problemas Hacer algo para ver su efecto
- Enfocado en la acción La acción es la prueba en sí misma
- Ejemplo Try turning (it off and on)
Try: Infinitivo vs. Gerundio en un Vistazo
Eligiendo entre Try + Infinitivo o Gerundio
¿La idea principal es 'hacer un esfuerzo para lograr una meta'?
¿La idea principal es 'experimentar con un método o una acción'?
Escenarios de Uso para 'Try'
Esfuerzo/Intento (To-Infinitive)
- • Tareas difíciles
- • Esforzarse por metas
- • Éxito incierto
- • Esfuerzo consciente
Experimento/Método (Gerund)
- • Técnicas de resolución de problemas
- • Experimentar nuevas experiencias
- • Buscar un resultado
- • Probar una estrategia
Ejemplos por nivel
I try to study every day.
I make an effort to study.
She tries to cook pasta.
She attempts to cook pasta.
Do you try to help your mom?
Do you make an effort to help?
They try to run in the park.
They attempt to run.
Try to open this jar for me.
Please use your strength to open this.
Try adding some sugar to your tea.
See if sugar makes the tea better.
I tried to call you, but no signal.
I attempted the call, but failed.
Try wearing these shoes; they are soft.
Test these shoes to see if they fit.
I'm trying to learn Japanese, but it's hard.
I am putting in effort to learn.
If the WiFi is slow, try moving the router.
Test if moving the router helps.
We tried to reach the station on time.
We made a great effort to be punctual.
Have you tried talking to a therapist?
Have you tested this as a solution?
He tried to fix the car himself.
He attempted the repair (effort).
Try using a different password.
Test another password to see if it works.
I tried to explain the situation, but she interrupted.
I made an attempt to explain (failed).
You should try practicing mindfulness to reduce stress.
Test mindfulness as a stress-relief method.
They are trying to negotiate a better deal.
They are in the process of a difficult negotiation.
Try not to let his comments get to you.
Make an effort to ignore him.
I tried to warn them about the risks, but they wouldn't listen.
I made the effort, but the outcome was unsuccessful.
Try implementing a more agile workflow to see if productivity rises.
Experiment with a new business methodology.
He tried to reconcile his religious beliefs with scientific facts.
He struggled with a complex internal conflict.
Try approaching the problem from a different angle.
Experiment with a new perspective.
The novelist tried to capture the ephemeral nature of youth.
The author struggled with a profound artistic goal.
Try juxtaposing these two disparate concepts in your essay.
Experiment with a sophisticated rhetorical device.
We tried to mitigate the fallout, but the damage was done.
We attempted to reduce negative consequences.
Try delegating the more menial tasks to the interns.
Test a new management strategy for efficiency.
Fácil de confundir
Learners think they are different, but 'attempt to' is just a formal version of 'try to'.
Learners see 'try and' and think it's a different rule.
Errores comunes
I try study English.
I try to study English.
Try to adding salt.
Try adding salt.
I tried to restart the computer, but it didn't fix the problem.
I tried restarting the computer, but it didn't fix the problem.
I tried to not cry.
I tried not to cry.
I tried and finished the report.
I tried to finish the report.
Patrones de oraciones
I tried to ___, but ___.
If you want to ___, try ___.
Real World Usage
Try clearing your browser cache.
Try adding a pinch of cinnamon.
I tried to implement a new filing system.
Try to keep your back straight.
Try taking the local bus instead of a taxi.
Try to be quiet while the baby is sleeping.
Piensa: 'Esfuerzo' vs. 'Método'
I tried to lift the couchy
I tried lifting with my legs!
No confundas 'Try and'
Pregúntate: '¿Fue difícil hacerlo?'
Sutilezas Sociales
Smart Tips
Use the -ing form to sound like a helpful problem solver rather than a bossy teacher.
Use 'try to' or 'attempt to' to highlight your persistence and hard work.
Recognize it as an informal version of 'try to' and don't let the 'and' confuse you.
Use 'tried to' to show that the action was never completed.
Pronunciación
Reduction of 'to'
In 'try to', the word 'to' is often reduced to a schwa /tə/.
Linking 'try' and '-ing'
When saying 'trying', there is a small /j/ sound between the 'y' and 'i'.
Emphasis on the verb
I TRIED to call him (but failed).
Emphasizes the effort.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Try TO = Tough Obstacle. Try -ING = InterestING experiment.
Asociación visual
Imagine a man pushing a giant boulder up a hill (Try TO). Then imagine a scientist in a lab coat mixing two colorful liquids in a test tube (Try -ING).
Rhyme
If it's hard and you might fail, 'Try to' will tell the tale. If you're testing out a way, 'Try -ing' saves the day.
Story
Leo was in the kitchen. He tried to open a jar of pickles (he pulled and pulled, but it was stuck). Then, he tried running the jar under hot water (he did this to see if it would loosen the lid). It worked!
Word Web
Desafío
Look around your room. Find one thing that is difficult to do (e.g., touching the ceiling) and say 'I am trying to...'. Then find one problem (e.g., it's too dark) and think of a solution using 'Try...ing' (e.g., Try opening the curtains).
Notas culturales
British speakers use 'try and' very frequently in casual speech, even more than Americans.
In US tech culture, 'try -ing' is the standard way to offer troubleshooting advice.
In academic writing, 'try' is often replaced by more formal verbs like 'attempt' or 'endeavor'.
The word 'try' comes from the Old French 'trier', meaning 'to pick out, cull, or sift'.
Inicios de conversación
What is something difficult you tried to do last year?
If I can't sleep tonight, what should I try doing?
Have you ever tried to learn a skill that was way too hard?
Try imagining your life in 10 years. What do you see?
Temas para diario
Errores comunes
Test Yourself
I ______ to open the jar, but my hands were too slippery.
Find and fix the mistake:
If your computer is slow, try to restart it.
Elige la oración correcta:
Traduce al inglés: 'Intentamos convencerlo, pero no escuchó.'
Answer starts with: ["W...
Score: /4
Ejercicios de practica
8 exercisesThe door was stuck. I tried ___ it, but it wouldn't open.
If your phone is slow, try ___ it.
Find and fix the mistake:
I tried to adding more salt to the soup, but it was still bland.
Make an effort to be on time.
A: I have a terrible cough. B: Have you tried ___ some honey?
'Try to' is used for experiments.
1. Try to sleep. 2. Try sleeping.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesI ______ to persuade my parents, but they had already made up their minds.
I'm so tired, I tried not to fall asleep during the lecture.
Elige la oración correcta:
Organiza estas palabras en una oración:
Traduce al inglés: 'El chef intentó una nueva receta de postre.'
Empareja la frase con 'try' con su significado:
A: I can't reach the top shelf! B: ______ using a chair?
She tried to save money by switching to a cheaper coffee brand.
Selecciona la oración correcta:
Organiza estas palabras en una oración:
Traduce al inglés: 'Ella intentó llamar a la puerta, pero nadie abrió.'
Empareja la acción con su forma correcta de 'try':
Score: /12
Preguntas frecuentes (8)
No, you should avoid it. In formal writing like IELTS, always use `try to`.
Yes. `I tried to call` means you attempted to make the call (maybe the line was busy). `I tried calling` means you made the call as a way to solve a problem.
The most common form is `try not to` (e.g., 'I tried not to laugh').
No. You must choose either `to open` (effort) or `opening` (experiment). Never mix them.
Yes, the distinction between effort and experiment is almost always present when followed by a verb.
No, 'try' is not typically followed by a 'that' clause. We use infinitives or gerunds.
Use `Try -ing`. For example, 'Try talking to him' sounds softer than 'You must talk to him'.
Usually, one sense is stronger. If you are focusing on the struggle, use `to`. If you are focusing on the result, use `-ing`.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Tratar de vs. Probar a
English requires a change in verb ending (-ing vs to), while Spanish changes the main verb or preposition.
Essayer de
French doesn't have a gerund equivalent for 'try -ing'.
Versuchen vs. Ausprobieren
German uses two different verbs, while English uses one verb with two different structures.
~te miru vs. ~to suru
The logic is very similar to English, making this rule easier for Japanese speakers.
Hawala (حاول) vs. Jaraba (جرب)
Like German, Arabic uses two distinct verbs.
Nǔlì (努力) vs. Shìzhe (试着)
Chinese doesn't have verb conjugations, so the distinction is purely lexical.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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