ENGLISH
REFERENCE

try to

fixed phr..
A1 Beginner Oxford

fixed phr.. to make an effort to do something, even if you are not sure you will succeed.

fixed phr.. a catenative construction used to express an attempt or intention to perform an action, followed by a to-infinitive.


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.

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