Try Doing vs Try to Do worksheet

1. 1.
   I tried the window, but it was stuck.a) to openb) opening
2. 2.
   Have you tried salt? It might taste better.a) to addb) adding
3. 3.
   She's trying weight before the summer.a) losingb) to lose
4. 4.
   If the screen freezes, try Escape.a) pressingb) to press
5. 5.
   He tried hard calm.a) stayingb) to stay

1. 1.
   Try to restarting it.
2. 2.
   I tried open the window.
3. 3.
   I tried lifting the box, but it was too heavy.

Write two sentences about your own life: one with Try doing and one with Try to do. Then explain the difference to a partner.

1. 1.a) to open An effort that failed: try to.
2. 2.b) adding An experiment to see if it helps: try + -ing.
3. 3.b) to lose An effort: try to.
4. 4.a) pressing An easy experiment: try + -ing.
5. 5.b) to stay An effort (tried hard): try to.

1. 1.Try restarting it. Either try + -ing or try to + base verb, not both.
2. 2.I tried to open the window. For an effort, use try to + base verb.
3. 3.I tried to lift the box, but it was too heavy. It was an effort that failed: try to.

Answers will vary. Check that each sentence follows the rule on page 1, or paste them into Clarigram to have them checked.