Try Doing vs. Try To Do
“Try to do” presents an attempt to accomplish something. “Try doing” commonly presents an action as a possible method or experiment to see whether it helps.
Use “try to do” for an attempt. Use “try doing” when testing a possible action or method.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Context | Use | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| making an effort or attempt | try to + verb | Use the infinitive when the focus is attempting the action. |
| testing a possible method or remedy | try + -ing | Use the -ing form when the action itself is being tested as an option. |
| meaning is unclear | ask whether it is an attempt or an experiment | The complement can change the intended meaning. |
Quick tests
Attempt-or-method test
Are you attempting the action itself, or testing it as a possible method?
If yes: Use “try to do” for an attempt; use “try doing” for testing a method.
If no: Rewrite so the intended relationship is explicit.
Caveat: The distinction is semantic, so either construction can be grammatical while conveying a different emphasis.
Examples
I tried to open the window, but it was stuck.
“Try to” presents opening the window as the attempted action.
Try opening the window to cool the room.
“Try” + -ing presents opening the window as a method to test.
She tried to call him, then tried sending a message instead.
The first clause describes an attempt; the second tests an alternative method.
Further guidance
Attempt Pattern
Try + to-infinitive commonly describes making an attempt to achieve the infinitive action.
Test Pattern
Try + -ing can suggest testing an action to see whether it works or helps.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Try — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Try + to-infinitive for an attempt and try + -ing for testing a possible method