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 to restart 해야 할지 아니면 캐시를 try clearing 해야 할지 고민해 본 적 있나요? 두 문장이 똑같은 말처럼 들리나요? 하지만 영어 문법의 세계에서 이 두 문장은 사실 완전히 다른 이야기를 하고 있어요. 상황에 맞지 않는 표현을 고르는 건 마치 2017년에 올라온 전 애인의 인스타그램 게시물에 실수로 '좋아요'를 누르는 것과 같아요. 작은 실수 하나가 전체적인 분위기를 확 바꿔버리거든요.try라는 단어를 사용해요. 아침 8시 수업을 위해 힘들게 잠에서 깨려고 애쓰든, 틱톡에서 본 신기한 커피 레시피를 새로 시도해 보든, 우리는 항상 무언가를 try 하고 있죠. 하지만 영어에서는 두 가지 명확한 길을 제시해요. 바로 infinitive (to + 동사)와 gerund (-ing)예요. 하나는 순수하게 땀 흘리며 노력하는 것에 대한 이야기고, 다른 하나는 미친 과학자처럼 해결책을 테스트해 보는 것에 대한 이야기죠.tried to send 했다고 말하면, 상사는 기술적인 결함 때문에 당신이 실패했다고 생각할 거예요. 하지만 이메일 대신 왓츠앱으로 tried sending 해봤다고 말한다면, 상사는 당신이 전달 방법을 창의적으로 고민했다고 생각할 거예요. 데이트 상대에게 그 사람의 독특한 취미를 tried liking (좋아해 보려고 시도했다) 하려 했다고 말해야 할 상황에 실수로 tried to like (좋아하려고 애썼다)라고 말하지 않도록 조심하자고요!How This Grammar Works
try + to-infinitive를 사용할 때는 노력에 초점이 맞춰져요. 어렵거나, 도전적이거나, 심지어 불가능할지도 모르는 무언가를 시도하는 거죠. 이 동사의 «미션 임파서블» 버전이라고 생각하면 돼요. 성공할 수도 있고 실패할 수도 있지만, 핵심은 당신이 그것을 위해 열심히 노력하고 있다는 점이에요.try + gerund를 사용할 때는 실험에 초점이 맞춰져요. 그 행동 자체는 보통 하기 쉬운 일이에요. 동사의 행동을 물리적으로 해내려고 애쓰는 게 아니라, 그 행동이 별개의 문제를 해결해 줄 수 있을지 확인해 보려고 하는 거죠. 이건 동사의 «생활 꿀팁» 버전이에요.I tried to sleep.(초점: 눈을 감고 잠들려고 애를 썼지만, 뇌가 자꾸 밈 생각을 멈추지 않았어요.)I tried sleeping.(초점: 두통을 없애기 위한 해결책 중 하나로 낮잠을 한 번 자봤어요.)
Formation Pattern
I, You, We, My phone.
try 동사를 더하세요 (시제에 맞게 변형): try, tries, tried, is trying.
to + Base Verb
Verb + -ing
I shall try to ensure the documents are delivered. (비즈니스 이메일이나 교수님께 에세이가 왜 늦었는지 설명할 때 사용해요.)
Try hitting the side of the vending machine!to가 오면 Tough (어렵고 노력이 필요한 일)예요.
-ing가 오면 효과가 있는지 확인해 보려는 실험이에요.
When To Use It
try + to-infinitive를 쓰세요:- 어려운 일을 해결하려 할 때:
I tried to climb the wall at the gym.(체육관 담을 넘으려고 애썼어.) - 무언가에 실패했을 때:
I tried to keep a straight face, but I laughed.(정색하려고 노력했지만 웃음이 터졌어.) - 정중한 변명을 할 때:
I tried to get there on time, but the Uber was stuck in traffic.(제시간에 가려고 노력했지만 우버가 차가 막혔어.)
try + gerund를 쓰세요:- 조언이나 제안을 할 때:
Try using a different filter on that photo.(그 사진에 다른 필터를 한 번 써봐.) - 문제를 해결하려 할 때:
The Wi-Fi is slow; try moving closer to the router.(와이파이가 느리네. 공유기 근처로 한 번 가봐.) - 새로운 것을 시도(경험)해 볼 때:
Have you tried eating vegan burgers?(비건 버거 먹어본 적 있어?)
Try cleaning the dust out of the fans.)tried to open), 맞는 드라이버가 없네.Try putting on that new Afrobeat playlist.)tried to find), 스포티파이가 계속 튕겨.
Common Mistakes
- «불가능한 노력» 오류: 열을 내리려고 아스피린을 먹었다는 말을 할 때
I
라고 말하는 경우예요. 아스피린 병이 본드로 붙어 있어서 열 수가 없었던 게 아니라면, 효과가 있는지 보려고 먹은 거니까tried to takean aspirin for my feverI
이라고 해야 해요.tried takingan aspirin - «제안» 오류:
You should
같은 조언을 하는 경우예요. 이렇게 말하면 ChatGPT를 쓰는 게 물리적으로 엄청나게 힘든 일이라고 생각하는 것처럼 들려요. 도움이 되는 실험으로 제안할 때는try to useChatGPT for your outline
을 쓰세요.try using - 'to'를 빼먹는 실수:
I tried go라고 하지 마세요. 반드시I
라고 해야 해요.tried to go - 시제 혼동:
try는 시제에 따라 변하지만, 뒤에 오는to-verb나-ing는 그대로 유지된다는 걸 기억하세요.I will try
과to callI tried
처럼요.to call
Contrast With Similar Patterns
try 뒤에 무엇이 오느냐에 따라 의미가 변하는 동사는 try뿐만이 아니에요. 사촌 격인 stop, remember, forget 같은 동사들도 알고 있을 거예요.Stop to do: 다른 일을 하기 위해 하던 일을 멈추다. (I stopped to buy a coffee.)Stop doing: 하던 행동 자체를 그만두다. (I stopped buying expensive coffee to save money.)
Try to do는 행동 자체가 목표일 때 쓰고, Try doing은 그 행동을 통한 결과가 목표일 때 쓴답니다.- 1병을 열 수 없는 상황을 상상해 보세요:
I
(열려고 애썼어.)tried to openit. - 2누군가 고무줄을 감아서 열어보라고 제안합니다:
(고무줄을 한번 써봐.)Try usinga rubber band. - 3어려운 언어를 배우려 했던 경험을 말해 보세요:
I
(일본어를 배우려고 노력했지만 한자가 너무 힘들었어.)tried to learnJapanese, but the Kanji was too much. - 4지루한 데이트를 위한 해결책을 제안해 보세요:
(영화 대신 방탈출 카페에 한번 가봐.)Try goingto an escape room instead of a movie.
Quick FAQ
한 문장에 둘 다 쓸 수 있나요?
당연하죠!
I(잠깐, 이건 너무 힘들어 보이네요! 이렇게 바꿔볼까요:tried to fixmy phone bytrying to updatethe software.
I)tried to fixit byupdatingthe software.
둘 중 어떤 게 더 자주 쓰이나요?
일상 대화에서는 보통 우리가 무언가를 하려고 노력하는 이야기를 많이 하기 때문에 Try to가 더 일반적으로 쓰여요.
Try doing은 항상 그 행동을 성공했다는 뜻인가요?
네, 보통 그래요. 약을 먹는 것처럼 그 행동 자체는 성공적으로 했고, 이제 그게 문제를 해결해 줄지 기다려 보는 상태인 거죠.
음식에도 try + gerund를 쓸 수 있나요?
그럼요.
Try tasting this sauceConjugating '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
| 구조 | 의미 | 예시 | 힌트 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Try + to-infinitive
|
노력하다, 시도하다
|
She tried to open the heavy door.
|
고군분투와 목표에 집중
|
|
Try + gerund (-ing)
|
실험하다, 방법을 테스트하다
|
She tried pushing the door open.
|
해결책 테스트에 집중
|
|
Try + to-infinitive
|
어려운 목표를 향해 애쓰기
|
He tried to learn a new language.
|
보통 난이도가 높음
|
|
Try + gerund (-ing)
|
효과나 경험을 확인하기
|
He tried listening to podcasts.
|
한번 해보는 느낌
|
|
Try + to-infinitive
|
시도 자체에 강조
|
Just try to believe in yourself.
|
노력하는 과정
|
|
Try + gerund (-ing)
|
행동의 결과에 강조
|
Try calling them again.
|
결과가 어떤지 확인
|
격식 수준 스펙트럼
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: 노력 vs. 실험
Try + To-부정사
- 노력 Attempting something difficult
- 목표 지향 Striving to achieve a purpose
- 불확실한 결과 Success isn't guaranteed
- 예시 Try to lift (a heavy box)
Try + 동명사 (-ing)
- 실험 Testing a method or solution
- 문제 해결 Doing something to see its effect
- 행동 중심 The action is the test itself
- 예시 Try turning (it off and on)
Try: 부정사 vs. 동명사 한눈에 보기
Try 뒤에 무엇을 쓸지 결정하는 법
핵심 아이디어가 '목표를 위한 노력'인가요?
핵심 아이디어가 '방법이나 행동의 실험'인가요?
'Try' 사용 시나리오
노력/시도 (To-부정사)
- • 어려운 과제
- • 목표 달성 노력
- • 성공이 불확실함
- • 의식적인 힘 들이기
실험/방법 (동명사)
- • 문제 해결 기법
- • 새로운 경험 테스트
- • 결과 지켜보기
- • 전략 시도하기
수준별 예문
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.
혼동하기 쉬운
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.
자주 하는 실수
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.
문장 패턴
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.
'노력'인지 '방법'인지 생각해보세요
try + to-부정사를, 효과가 있는지 보려고 한 번 해보는 거라면 try + 동명사를 쓰세요. Try to climb Everest.
'Try and' 표현에 주의하세요
try and do라는 말을 듣게 될 텐데, 이건 항상 '노력'의 의미인 try to do와 같아요. I will try and help you.
'하기 힘들었나?'라고 물어보세요
He tried to run a marathon.
미묘한 사회적 뉘앙스
Try adding 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.
발음
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.
암기하기
기억법
Try TO = Tough Obstacle. Try -ING = InterestING experiment.
시각적 연상
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
챌린지
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).
문화 노트
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'.
대화 시작하기
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?
일기 주제
자주 하는 실수
Test Yourself
I ______ to open the jar, but my hands were too slippery.
If your computer is slow, try to restart it.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: '우리는 그를 설득하려 노력했지만, 그는 듣지 않았어요.'
Score: /4
연습 문제
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:
단어를 순서대로 배열하여 문장을 만드세요:
Translate into English: '요리사는 새로운 디저트 레시피를 시도해 보았습니다.'
'try' 구문과 그 의미를 연결하세요:
A: I can't reach the top shelf! B: ______ using a chair?
She tried to save money by switching to a cheaper coffee brand.
올바른 문장을 선택하세요:
단어를 배열하여 문장을 만드세요:
Translate into English: '그녀는 문을 두드려 보았지만, 아무도 열어주지 않았어요.'
행동에 알맞은 'try' 형태를 연결하세요:
Score: /12
자주 묻는 질문 (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
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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
관련 동영상
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