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Best Questions
Hiroto, Japan: |
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What is the difference between try to something and try something? |
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Answer: This is quite tricky to explain but let's try. Look at this dialogue a: My computer has crashed. What should I do? b: Try switching it off and then on again. c: OK I'll try that. In this case there is no doubt that the person can switch his computer off and then on...what is not certain is whether this will fix the problem. Compare that with this: a: Me and some friends are going to a party tonight. Would you like to come? b: I'd love to but I've got a lot of homework. I'll try to finish it this afternoon but it's very difficult homework, it might take me a very long time. I'll call you later and tell you if I can come. c: OK I hope you can finish it. d: I'll try! In this case the speaker is not sure whether he can finish in time. So to try doing something means that the action is simple but the effects are not certain whereas to try to do something means that the action itself is difficult and may not be possible. All the best, Dan Senior Teacher at BSC London |
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