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
to不定詞 が来るか 動名詞（-ing） が来るかで、意味がガラリと変わってしまうケースに遭遇します。その代表格が今回学習する try です。私たち日本人が英語を話す際、日本語の「〜してみる」「〜しようとする」という言葉をそのまま英語に訳そうとして、どちらを使うべきか迷ってしまうことが多々あります。try to do と try doing の違いを理解することは、単なる文法知識の習得以上の意味があります。それは、話し手がそのアクションに対して「どのような意図（努力なのか、実験なのか）」を持っているかを正確に伝えるための、非常に重要な「ニュアンスの使い分け」だからです。B1レベル（中級）を目指す皆さんにとって、この違いをマスターすることは、より自然で、かつ誤解のない英語を話すための大きなステップとなります。try の後に続く形によって意味が変わる理由は、実は to不定詞 と 動名詞 が本質的に持っている「イメージ」の違いにあります。これを理解すると、丸暗記に頼らずに使い分けることができるようになります。to不定詞 の to は、もともと「〜の方へ」という方向を示す矢印（→）のイメージを持っています。そこから、「まだ到達していない未来の目標」や「これから達成すべきこと」を指すようになります。try to do と言った場合、その焦点は 「目標に向かって努力すること（Effort）」 にあります。そのアクションが難しいこと、あるいは努力を必要とすることを暗示しており、実際には成功したかどうかわからない、あるいは失敗した可能性が高いというニュアンスが含まれます。- 日本語のイメージ: 「（難しいけれど）〜しようと努力する」「〜しようと頑張る」
- 構造:
try(努力する) ＋to do(未来の目標に向かって)
動名詞（-ing） は「実際に起きていること」や「具体的な動作そのもの」を指すイメージを持っています。すでに頭の中でその動作をイメージしている、あるいは実際に行ってみるというニュアンスです。try doing と言った場合、その焦点は 「試しにやってみること（Experiment）」 にあります。その動作自体が難しいのではなく、「その方法を試すことで、問題が解決するかどうか、あるいはどんな結果になるかを見てみる」という実験的な意味合いが強くなります。- 日本語のイメージ: 「（とりあえず）〜してみる」「試しに〜をやってみる」
- 構造:
try(試す) ＋doing(具体的な動作を)
try は時制に合わせて変化しますが、後ろに続く to不定詞 や 動名詞 の形は変わりません。- Try + To-Infinitive:
try+to+動詞の原形 - Try + Gerund:
try+動詞の-ing形
- 現在形 (習慣や一般的なアドバイス):
I always try to be polite.(私はいつも礼儀正しくしようと努めています。)You should try eating more vegetables.(もっと野菜を食べるようにしてみたら？)
- 過去形 (過去の試み):
I tried to open the jar, but it was stuck.(瓶を開けようとしたけれど、固まっていて開かなかった。)I tried opening the jar with a rubber grip.(ゴム製のグリップを使って瓶を開けてみた。)
- 現在進行形 (今まさに取り組んでいること):
I'm trying to concentrate on my work.(仕事に集中しようと頑張っているところです。)I'm trying using a new app to manage my tasks.(タスク管理のために新しいアプリを試しに使っているところです。)
- 否定形:
Try not to make too much noise.(あまり大きな音を立てないように気をつけて。)I tried not drinking coffee for a week.(1週間、試しにコーヒーを飲まないで過ごしてみた。)
I tried to finish the marathon, but my legs gave out.(マラソンを完走しようと頑張ったが、足が動かなくなった。)She is trying to learn Japanese, but the kanji are difficult.(彼女は日本語を習得しようと努力しているが、漢字が難しい。)
to不定詞 が使われます。I tried to call you, but there was no signal.(電話しようとしたんだけど、電波がなかったんだ。)He tried to explain the situation, but no one listened.(彼は状況を説明しようとしたが、誰も聞こうとしなかった。)
Please try to arrive on time for the meeting.(会議に遅れないように（努力して）来てください。)Try to be more patient with your juniors.(後輩に対してもっと忍耐強くなるよう努めてください。)
If you have a headache, try drinking some water.(頭痛がするなら、水を飲んでみたら？)The remote isn't working. Try changing the batteries.(リモコンが動かない。電池を替えてみて。)
You should try skiing; it's really fun!(スキーをやってみなよ、本当に楽しいから！)I tried making sushi for the first time yesterday.(昨日、初めて寿司を作ってみた。)
Try tasting this sauce. Does it need more salt?(このソースを味見してみて。もっと塩が必要かな？)Try listening to this podcast; it's great for English learners.(このポッドキャストを聞いてみて。英語学習者に最適だよ。)
Try to do と言ってしまうTry to do と訳すと、相手に「大変だろうけど頑張ってやってみて」という重いニュアンスで伝わってしまいます。- 不自然:
Try to eat this cake. It's delicious!(このケーキを食べるように努力してみて。美味しいよ！) - 自然:
Try eating this cake. It's delicious!(このケーキを食べてみて。美味しいよ！)
-ing を使うのが適切です。Try to do を使ってしまう- 不自然:
Try to restart your computer.(コンピュータを再起動しようと努力してみて。) - 自然:
Try restarting your computer.(コンピュータを再起動してみて（解決するか試してみて）。)
-ing が正解です。try and do の過剰な使用Try and help me. のように try and ... という形が使われることがありますが、これは非常にカジュアルな表現で、主に try to do (努力) の代わりとして使われます。試験やビジネス文書では、try to を使うのが最も安全で正確です。try と同じように、後ろに続く形によって意味が変わる動詞は他にもあります。これらを比較することで、to不定詞 (未来・目標) と 動名詞 (過去・経験・動作) のイメージがより鮮明になります。to不定詞 は常に「これから向かう先」を見ているのに対し、動名詞 は「その動作そのもの」や「既に行ったこと」に焦点を当てているのがわかりますね。Try to do で成功したことを表すことはできますか？I tried to open the door and I succeeded. (ドアを開けようとして、成功した) のように、文脈や追加の情報が必要になることが多いです。単に I tried to open the door. とだけ言うと、聞き手は「でも開かなかったんだろうな」と推測する傾向があります。Try this. と Try eating this. はどう違いますか？Try this. は非常に一般的で、食べ物に限らず何にでも使えます。Try eating this. は「（例えば嫌いかもしれないけど）これを食べてみてよ」という、食べるという「動作」を促すニュアンスが少し強まります。日常会話では Try this. や Try some. が最も自然です。Try doing は「努力」の意味には全くなりませんか？to不定詞、No（単なるアイデアや試し）なら 動名詞 です。もし「〜しようとしたけどダメだった」と言いたいなら、迷わず try to を選びましょう。try to と try -ing のどちらに振り分けるべきか、最初は戸惑うかもしれません。しかし、今回学んだ「努力の to」と「実験の -ing」というイメージを意識するだけで、あなたの英語はぐっとネイティブの感覚に近づきます。try to かな？それとも try -ing かな？」と考える癖をつけてみてください。例えば、満員電車で奥の方へ行こうと頑張る時は try to move to the back ですし、新しい味の飲み物を買ってみる時は try drinking a new flavor です。日常の何気ないシーンに、文法のヒントはたくさん隠れています。楽しみながら、一歩ずつマスターしていきましょう！応援しています！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
| 構造 | 意味 | 例 | ヒント |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Try + to-infinitive
|
努力する、試みる
|
She tried to open the heavy door.
|
苦労や目標に焦点を当てる。
|
|
Try + gerund (-ing)
|
試してみる、実験する
|
She tried pushing the door open.
|
解決策を試すことに焦点を当てる。
|
|
Try + to-infinitive
|
難しい目標に奮闘する
|
He tried to learn a new language.
|
多くの場合、困難を伴う。
|
|
Try + gerund (-ing)
|
効果や経験を求める
|
He tried listening to podcasts.
|
何かを試している状態。
|
|
Try + to-infinitive
|
試みに重点を置く
|
Just try to believe in yourself.
|
努力する過程。
|
|
Try + gerund (-ing)
|
行動の結果に重点を置く
|
Try calling them again.
|
うまくいくか見てみる。
|
フォーマル度スペクトル
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: 努力 vs. 実験
Try + To-Infinitive (to不定詞)
- 努力 難しいことを試みる
- 目標志向 目的達成に奮闘する
- 不確実な結果 成功は保証されない
- 例 Try to lift (a heavy box)
Try + Gerund (-ing) (動名詞)
- 実験 方法や解決策を試す
- 問題解決 効果を見るために何かをする
- 行動重視 行動そのものがテスト
- 例 Try turning (it off and on)
Try: To不定詞 vs. 動名詞 一覧
Try + To不定詞か動名詞かの選択フローチャート
主な意味は「目標達成のために努力すること」ですか？
主な意味は「方法や行動を実験的に試すこと」ですか？
「Try」の利用シナリオ
努力/試み (To不定詞)
- • 難しいタスク
- • 目標達成に奮闘する
- • 不確実な成功
- • 意識的な努力
実験/方法 (動名詞)
- • 問題解決のテクニック
- • 新しい経験を試す
- • 結果を求める
- • 戦略を試してみる
レベル別の例文
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.
間違えやすい
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.
よくある間違い
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.
文型パターン
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.
「努力」と「方法」を考える
try + to-infinitive."「Try and」を混同しない
Stick to try to do for clarity and formality.「それは難しかった？」と問いかける
If the action is a simple test, the gerund is your friend.
繊細な社会的ニュアンス
Try adding some humorsounds less direct than
Try to add some humor.
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.
発音
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.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Try TO = Tough Obstacle. Try -ING = InterestING experiment.
視覚的連想
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
チャレンジ
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).
文化メモ
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'.
会話のきっかけ
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?
日記のテーマ
よくある間違い
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.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'Intentamos convencerlo, pero no escuchó.'
Answer starts with: ["W...
Score: /4
練習問題
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.
Choose the correct sentence:
これらの単語を並べ替えて文を作成してください。
Translate into English: 'El chef intentó una nueva receta de postre.'
「try」のフレーズと意味を一致させてください。
A: I can't reach the top shelf! B: ______ using a chair?
She tried to save money by switching to a cheaper coffee brand.
文法的に正しい文を選んでください。
これらの単語を並べ替えて文を作成してください。
Translate into English: 'Ella intentó llamar a la puerta, pero nadie abrió.'
行動を正しい「try」の形とペアにしてください。
Score: /12
よくある質問 (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
関連動画
01:20 The Mountain of Material You Never See
08:38 Awesome Blossom Onion Bites | Crispy Blooming Onion Fritters | Food Wishes
04:49 Northern Ireland's Flag Problem
GERUND (-ing) or INFINITIVE (to) - When & How to Use them! (+ Free PDF & Quiz)
English with Lucy
GERUND (ing) or INFINITIVE (to) – Everything You Need to Know!
JForrest English
🔥 EXPLAINED! When to use the Infinitive and Gerund After Verbs
English with Greg
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