Try + Gerund vs Infinitive: Effort or Experiment?

• Consider I tried to lift the heavy box. Here, to lift is the specific goal. The act of trying describes the exertion, the application of effort towards that goal. The sentence doesn't guarantee the box was actually lifted; it only states that the effort was made. The focus is on the intentional striving.
• This pattern resonates with other verbs where the to-infinitive denotes a future or uncompleted action, such as remember to do (a future obligation) or forget to do (a missed obligation).

• Consider I tried lifting the box with a lever. Here, lifting the box with a lever is the method being employed as an experiment. The act of trying describes the execution of this method to observe its effect. The implication is that the lifting was done (at least partially) as a test, to see if the lever made it easier.
• The focus is on the effect or consequence of performing the action, rather than the effort involved in attempting the action itself. This aligns with other verbs where the gerund denotes a completed action or an ongoing activity, such as stop doing (ceasing an activity) or enjoy doing (experiencing an activity).

• Q: What is the most concise way to remember the difference?

Try + to-infinitive = effort, attempt, striving towards a goal (often difficult or uncertain). Try + gerund = experiment, test, trying out a method or experience (to see its effect or if you like it).

• Q: Can try to do ever imply success?

Yes, but the focus remains on the effort. I tried to open the stubborn jar, and eventually, it unscrewed. The effort was successful, but the sentence still emphasizes the application of effort against difficulty.

• Q: Does try doing always guarantee a positive outcome?

No. It simply means you performed the action as a test. The outcome of the experiment might be positive, negative, or neutral. I tried calling the customer service number, but it was constantly busy. The experimental action was taken, but it didn't solve the problem.

• Q: Are there situations where both seem acceptable?

Rarely, and typically only when the context blurs the line between a challenging effort and an experimental method. Even then, choosing one will subtly shift the nuance. For instance, I tried to learn Spanish implies a sustained, perhaps difficult, effort. I tried learning Spanish might imply testing out the experience of learning it, perhaps to see if it suited you. Always consider your primary emphasis.

• Q: How can I improve my intuition for this rule?

Active listening and reading. When you encounter try in English media (podcasts, books, movies), pause and consider why the speaker or writer chose the to-infinitive or the gerund. Ask yourself if they are describing an effort or an experiment. Consistent self-correction and exposure will build your natural understanding.

• Q: What about verbs that sometimes take both, like remember or stop?

This pattern (to-infinitive for future/purpose, gerund for past/activity) is consistent across several English verbs. Remember to do means to perform a future task, while remember doing means to recall a past experience. Similarly, stop to do means to pause in order to do something, while stop doing means to cease an activity. This demonstrates a broader grammatical principle of how English assigns meaning to infinitives and gerunds.