Word
try to
Definition
fixed phrase. to make an effort to do something, even if you are not sure you will succeed.
fixed phrase. a catenative construction used to express an attempt or intention to perform an action, followed by a to-infinitive.
Examples
“I will try to call you later today.”
“Please try to be on time for the meeting because we have a lot to discuss.”
“The government must try to balance the needs of the economy with the urgent requirement for environmental protection.”
Examples
simple
“I will try to call you later today.”
contextual
“Please try to be on time for the meeting because we have a lot to discuss.”
complex
“The government must try to balance the needs of the economy with the urgent requirement for environmental protection.”
Usage
followed by the base form of a verb; in casual speech, people often say 'try and' instead.
Teaching tip
contrast 'try to do' (making an effort) with 'try doing' (experimenting with a new method) to help students understand the change in meaning with the gerund.
Pitfall
I try to calling him.
I try to call him.
the phrase 'try to' must be followed by the infinitive (base form), not the -ing form.
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/try-to