5月12日号：Infinitives and gerunds (2) - try and stop

As we saw last time, some verbs can be followed by either to + (verb) or (verb) + ing. In many cases, the meaning will be different. Today, let’s look at some examples where the meanings are different.

Try + to + (verb) means that you are making an effort to do something, but you are not sure if you will be successful.

◆ I’m trying to lose some weight, but I haven’t made any progress.

◆ He is going to try to become a professional baseball player.

When talking about past events, tried + to + (verb) means that you were not successful.

◆ I tried to reach you yesterday, but you didn’t answer your phone.

◆ We tried to make a reservation, but the hotel was already completely booked.

Try + (verb) + ing means that you are doing something to reach a goal or solve a problem.

◆ I’m going to try going to the gym three times a week.

◆ Why don’t you try bringing lunch to work instead of going out to eat every day?

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Ian先生プロフィール

英会話イーオン東京本社教務課コーディネーター。イーオン教師のトレーニングや英語セミナーを企画制作するカリスマ教師として活躍中。カリフォルニア大学バークレー校卒業。趣味は読書、料理、クラフトワーク。