Try to do vs Try doing

Test-English grammar chart explaining the difference between 'try to do' and 'try doing'

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Try to do and try doing have different meanings.

We use try to do when we make an effort to achieve something.
We use try doing when we test a possible solution to see if it helps us achieve something.

Try to do something

We use try to do when we make an effort to achieve something.

The focus is on the effort, not the result.

Alice tried to give up meat but found it too hard.
Tom tried to quit gambling last month.
I am trying to waste less food, but it’s difficult.
Mary is going to try to stop drinking for a month.

Try not to do

We use try not to do when we make an effort not to do something.

I’m trying not to eat chocolate more than once a week.
Try not to make any noise when you come in.

Try doing something

We use try doing when we test a possible solution to see if it helps us achieve something.

The focus is on testing an idea or seeing if something works.

Anna wanted to lose weight, so she tried eating less sugar.
‘I can’t sleep at night.’ ‘Why don’t you try drinking less coffee?’

Try not doing

We use try not doing when we stop doing something to see if it helps us achieve something or improve a situation.

I read that we should all try not using our phones for a day to see how addicted we are.
Why don’t you try not smoking for a few days? You’ll feel much better.

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