try to vs try -ing — attempt vs experiment (GiU Unit 57)
Which is right
Section titled “Which is right”Sue needed to borrow some money. She tried asking Gary, but he said he was short of money too. ✓
She tested the approach ask Gary → it failed (he had none). Shape = tried X-ing, but [outcome failed] — the -ing experiment reading. Mirrors Murphy’s “I tried sending her flowers but it didn’t have any effect.”
try to would fit only if performing the ask itself was hard (shy, couldn’t bring herself to) — the context says she needed money and simply got refused → experiment, not effort.
The split
Section titled “The split”| try + to | try + -ing | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | make an effort, attempt (hard thing) | do something as an experiment / test an approach |
| Test | “attempt to” fits; difficulty in acting | “try the method of… and see” fits; outcome follows |
| Example | I tried to keep my eyes open (effort vs sleep) | I tried sending her flowers, but no effect |
Outcome anchor: if the sentence continues with but [it didn’t work] → try + -ing (experiment failed). If the obstacle is the action itself → try + to.
Source
Section titled “Source”Raymond Murphy, English Grammar in Use, Unit 57 — Verb + -ing or to… 2. Ebot lesson 2026-09-05.