Try Doing vs. Try to Do

Attribute	Try Doing	Try to Do
Form	Present participle form of the verb	Base form of the verb
Usage	Used to suggest attempting an action	Used to suggest making an effort to accomplish something
Examples	Try doing your homework before dinner.	Try to do your best in the exam.

Introduction

When it comes to the English language, small nuances can make a big difference in meaning. Two common phrases that often cause confusion are "try doing" and "try to do." While they may seem similar, they actually have distinct attributes that can change the tone and intention of a sentence. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two phrases and provide examples to illustrate their usage.

Definition of Try Doing

The phrase "try doing" is used when someone attempts a particular action or activity to see if it works or has a desired outcome. It implies experimentation or testing out a method. For example, if someone is having trouble sleeping, they might "try doing" yoga before bed to see if it helps them relax. In this context, "try doing" suggests a trial-and-error approach to finding a solution.

Definition of Try to Do

On the other hand, "try to do" is used when someone makes an effort to accomplish a specific task or goal. It indicates intention or purposeful action. For instance, if someone is trying to learn a new language, they might "try to do" a lesson every day to improve their skills. In this case, "try to do" conveys a sense of determination and commitment to achieving a desired outcome.

Usage of Try Doing

One common use of "try doing" is in giving advice or suggestions. When offering recommendations, using "try doing" can imply that the action is worth experimenting with to see if it yields positive results. For example, a friend might say, "If you're feeling stressed, you should try doing meditation to relax." This suggests that meditation is a potential solution that is worth trying out.

Another way "try doing" is used is in describing past attempts or experiences. When reflecting on past actions, using "try doing" can indicate that the action was done as an experiment or test. For instance, someone might say, "I tried doing meal prepping last week, but it didn't work out for me." This implies that meal prepping was attempted as a trial to see if it was a suitable solution.

Usage of Try to Do

Unlike "try doing," "try to do" is often used to express intentions or goals. When someone says they will "try to do" something, it signifies that they are making a conscious effort to achieve a specific objective. For example, if a student says, "I will try to do better on my next exam," it shows their determination to improve their performance.

Another common use of "try to do" is in giving instructions or setting expectations. When providing guidance, using "try to do" can convey a sense of purpose or direction. For instance, a coach might say to their team, "Try to do your best in the game today." This encourages the players to put forth their best effort and strive for success.

Examples of Try Doing

• She decided to try doing yoga to relieve stress.
• We should try doing a different approach to solve this problem.
• He tried doing meal prepping, but it didn't work out for him.

Examples of Try to Do

• I will try to do my best in the upcoming competition.
• They are going to try to do the project by the deadline.
• She promised to try to do better in her studies this semester.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the difference between "try doing" and "try to do" lies in their implications and usage. "Try doing" suggests experimentation or testing out a method, while "try to do" indicates intention or purposeful action. Understanding when to use each phrase can help convey the intended meaning more effectively in communication. By paying attention to these subtle distinctions, you can enhance the clarity and precision of your language use.