Try Doing vs Try To Do: Test a Solution or Make an Effort
Decide whether the action is a possible method being tested or an effort to complete a difficult task. Find the purpose signal before comparing the two answer forms.
Make an effort to complete the task or reach the goal = try to + action
Choose -ing
The action is a proposed method, workaround, alternative or diagnostic step. The result will show whether it helps.
Choose to + action
Someone is working towards a result despite difficulty, a deadline, an obstacle or possible failure.
Purpose signals to tap
If the attachment will not open, try ___ it in another browser.
Answer: openingAnother browser is a possible solution to test.
The sales team tried ___ its target despite the delayed launch.
Answer: to reachThe team made an effort towards a difficult goal.
The drill uses English TOEIC sentences and action-specific choices. Tap the controlling purpose signal before choosing an answer.
What your results show
Your results show whether you can separate a possible solution being tested from an effort to complete a difficult task under time pressure. In Review, check the exact purpose signal before the final answer.
If you missed -ing
Review workaround, alternative, diagnostic, first step and “to see whether” signals. These present an option to test.
If you missed to + action
Review deadline, obstacle, difficult target, despite, although and “but could not” signals. These show effort towards a result.
If both looked possible
Do not translate both forms as “try”. Ask what the action is doing in the situation: testing a method or pursuing a goal?
Use Review in this order: check the correct answer, find the exact purpose signal, decide solution test or effort, then confirm the reusable pattern.