Verb + -ing or to.(2)

Try to... and try -ing

Try to do = attempt to do, make an effort to do:

•   I was very tired. I tried to keep my eyes open but I couldn't.

• Please try to be quiet when you come home. Everyone will be asleep.

 

Try also means 'do something as an experiment or test'. For example:

• These cakes are delicious. You must try one. (= you must have one to see if you like it)

• We couldn't find anywhere to stay. We tried every hotel in the town but they were all full. (= we went to every hotel to see if they had a room)

 

If try (with this meaning) is followed by a verb, we say try -ing:

• A: The photocopier doesn't seem to be working.

B: Try pressing the green button. (= press the green button - perhaps this will help to solve the problem)

Compare:

• I tried to move the table but it was too heavy, (so I couldn't move it)

• I didn't like the way the furniture was arranged, so I tried moving the table to the other side of the room. But it still didn't look right, so I moved it back again.

 

Need to... and need -ing

I need to do something = it is necessary for me to do it:

• I need to take more exercise.

• He needs to work harder if he wants to make progress.

• I don't need to come to the meeting, do I?

 

Something needs doing = something needs to be done:

• The batteries in the radio need changing. (= they need to be changed)

• Do you think my jacket needs cleaning? (=needs to be cleaned)

• It's a difficult problem. It needs thinking about very carefully. (= it needs to be thought about)

 

Help and can't help