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（尝试重启）App 呢，还是该 try clearing（尝试清理）缓存？听起来差不多对吧？但在英语语法的世界里，这两句话讲的完全是两个截然不同的故事。选错一个就像不小心点赞了前任 2017 年的 Instagram 动态——一个小失误就能让整个气氛变得尴尬无比。try。无论你是挣扎着从早上 8 点的讲座中醒来，还是在尝试 TikTok 上刷到的某种奇怪咖啡配方，你总是在“尝试”某些事情。然而，英语给我们提供了两条不同的路径：infinitive（to + 动词）和 gerund（-ing）。一个是关于纯粹的、挥汗如雨的努力，而另一个则像是化身疯狂科学家，在测试一个解决方案。tried to send 报告，他们会觉得你是因为技术故障失败了；但如果你说你 tried sending 它（通过 WhatsApp 而不是邮件），他们会觉得你在尝试更有创意的发送方式。咱们可得确保你不会在约会时，本来想说 tried liking（试着去喜欢）对方的小众爱好，结果却说成了 tried to like（努力去喜欢）人家！How This Grammar Works
try + to-infinitive 时，重点在于努力 (effort)。你正在尝试一件困难、具有挑战性、甚至是不可能完成的事情。把它想象成动词的“碟中谍 (Mission Impossible)”版本。你可能会成功，也可能会失败，但重点在于你付出了巨大的努力。try + gerund 时，重点在于实验 (experiment)。动作本身通常很容易完成。你并不是在体力上挣扎着去完成这个动作，而是通过做这件事来看看它是否能解决另一个独立的问题。它是动词的“生活小妙招 (Life Hack)”版本。I tried to sleep.（重点：我努力闭上眼睛想睡着，但我满脑子都是表情包，根本睡不着。）I tried sleeping.（重点：我试着睡个午觉，看看这能不能治好我的头痛。）
Formation Pattern
I, You, We, My phone。
try（根据时态进行词形变化）：try, tries, tried, is trying。
to + Base Verb（动词原形）
Verb + -ing
I shall try to ensure the documents are delivered.（用于商务邮件，或者向教授解释为什么你的论文迟交了。）
Try hitting the side of the vending machine!to，那就是 Tough（困难/需要努力）。
-ing，那就是一个看它是否奏效的实验。
When To Use It
try + to-infinitive：- 你正在应对一项艰巨的任务：
I tried to climb the wall at the gym. - 你在某件事上失败了：
I tried to keep a straight face, but I laughed. - 你在做一个礼貌的借口：
I tried to get there on time, but the Uber was stuck in traffic.
try + gerund：- 你在提供建议/提议：
Try using a different filter on that photo. - 你在解决问题：
The Wi-Fi is slow; try moving closer to the router. - 你在尝试新鲜事物：
Have you tried eating vegan burgers?
Try cleaning the dust out of the fans.（试试清理一下风扇里的灰尘。）tried to open the case, but I don't have the right screwdriver.（我试着想打开外壳，但我没有合适的螺丝刀。）Try putting on that new Afrobeat playlist.（试试放那个新的 Afrobeat 歌单。）tried to find it earlier, but my Spotify keeps crashing.（我刚才努力找过，但我的 Spotify 老是崩溃。）
Common Mistakes
- “不可能的努力”错误： 当你想表达为了退烧而吃药时，说成
I
。除非那个药瓶被焊死了你打不开，否则你应该说tried to takean aspirin for my feverI
（试试吃片阿司匹林看管不管用）。tried takingan aspirin. - “建议”错误： 给建议时说
You should
这听起来像是你觉得使用 ChatGPT 是一件体力上极其困难的事。请使用try to useChatGPT for your outline.
来建议把它作为一个有用的尝试。try using - 漏掉 'to'： 不要说
I tried go。必须是I
tried to go. - 时态混淆： 记住
try会变，但后面的to-verb或-ing保持不变。I will try
vsto callI tried
to call.
Contrast With Similar Patterns
Try 并不是唯一一个会根据后续词汇改变含义的动词。你可能认识它的亲戚：stop, remember, 和 forget。Stop to do: 停下一个动作去做另一件事。(I stopped to buy a coffee.)Stop doing: 彻底停止一个动作。(I stopped buying expensive coffee to save money.)
Try to do 是关于将动作本身作为目标。Try doing 则是关于将结果作为目标。- 1想象你打不开一个罐子。说：
I
tried to openit. - 2想象有人建议用橡皮筋增加摩擦力。说：
Try usinga rubber band. - 3描述你尝试学习一门很难的语言：
I
tried to learnJapanese, but the Kanji was too much. - 4为一个无聊的约会提供方案：
Try goingto an escape room instead of a movie.
Quick FAQ
我可以在同一个句子里同时用这两个吗？
当然！
I（等等，这听起来太费劲了！咱们换个说法：tried to fixmy phone bytrying to updatethe software.
I）tried to fixit byupdatingthe software.
哪一个更常用？
Try to 在日常对话中通常更常见，因为我们总是在谈论我们正在尝试努力做的事情。
Try doing 是否总是意味着我动作成功了？
是的，通常如此。你成功完成了那个动作（比如吃药），你只是在等待看它是否能解决问题。
描述食物时可以用 try + gerund 吗？
绝对可以。
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
| 结构 | 含义 | 例子 | 小贴士 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Try + to-infinitive
|
努力；企图做某事
|
She tried to open the heavy door.
|
侧重于费劲或目标。
|
|
Try + gerund (-ing)
|
实验；试用某种方法
|
She tried pushing the door open.
|
侧重于测试解决方法。
|
|
Try + to-infinitive
|
为一个困难的目标奋斗
|
He tried to learn a new language.
|
通常暗示有难度。
|
|
Try + gerund (-ing)
|
寻求某种效果或体验
|
He tried listening to podcasts.
|
纯粹是试一试。
|
|
Try + to-infinitive
|
强调尝试的动作本身
|
Just try to believe in yourself.
|
努力做出改变的过程。
|
|
Try + gerund (-ing)
|
强调动作带来的结果
|
Try calling them again.
|
看这个法子管不管用。
|
正式程度
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. 实验
Try + 不定式 (To-Do)
- 努力 Attempting something difficult
- 目标导向 Striving to achieve a purpose
- 结果未知 Success isn't guaranteed
- 例子 Try to lift (a heavy box)
Try + 动名词 (-ing)
- 实验 Testing a method or solution
- 解决问题 Doing something to see its effect
- 关注动作 The action is the test itself
- 例子 Try turning (it off and on)
Try 用法对比一览
如何选择 Try 后的形式
核心意思是“为了达成目标而努力”吗？
核心意思是“实验某种方法或动作”吗？
'Try' 的使用场景分类
努力/企图 (To-Infinitive)
- • 艰巨的任务
- • 追求目标
- • 不确定的成功
- • 主观费劲
实验/方法 (Gerund)
- • 解决问题的技巧
- • 测试新体验
- • 寻找某种效果
- • 尝试某种策略
按水平分级的例句
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.
容易混淆
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.
常见错误
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.
句型
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.
看是“费劲”还是“方法”
try + to-infinitive。如果你只是试一个方法看行不行，就用 try + gerund。比如：Try to climb the wall.
别被 'Try and' 绕晕了
try and do。虽然很流行，但它其实和 try to do 意思一样，都表示“努力”，不能代替 try doing。正式场合建议用：Try to finish it on time.
问问自己：这件事难吗？
Try pressing the red button.
微妙的社交暗示
try + gerund 提建议时听起来更温柔，不像在命令。Try adding some humor to your speech.听起来比直接命令更像个贴心的建议。
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.
发音
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.
记住它
记忆技巧
Try TO = Tough Obstacle. Try -ING = InterestING experiment.
视觉联想
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
挑战
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).
文化笔记
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'.
对话开场白
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?
日记主题
常见错误
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.
选择正确的句子：
Translate into English: '我们努力说服他，但他不听。'
Answer starts with: ["W...
Score: /4
练习题
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.
选择正确的句子：
将这些单词连成句子：
翻译成英语：'厨师尝试了一个新的甜点配方。'
将 'try' 短语与其含义配对：
A: I can't reach the top shelf! B: ______ using a chair?
She tried to save money by switching to a cheaper coffee brand.
选择正确的句子：
将这些单词连成句子：
翻译成英语：'她试着敲了敲门，但没人开。'
将动作与正确的 'try' 形式配对：
Score: /12
常见问题 (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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