Help center

To Try vs Trying Infinitives & Gerunds

📝

Notes from a Native English Speaker

Infinitives: An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word "to" (e.g., to swim, to eat, to learn). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. Infinitives are often used to express intentions, purposes, desires, or potential actions. Gerunds: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb (e.g., swimming, eating, learning). It’s different from a “present participle” which functions as a verb tense. A gerund can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To try (Infinitive)

Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to try" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action

Example

I want to try the new restaurant in town.

Trying (Gerund)

Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "trying" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.

Example

Trying new things can be challenging.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To try (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To try new things is important for personal growth.

    To try new things is important for personal growth.

    • "*To try* new things" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important for personal growth).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to try the dessert.

    She wants me to try the dessert.

    • "Me *to try* the dessert" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to try* the dessert).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a recipe to try tonight.

    I need a recipe to try tonight.

    • "*To try* tonight" modifies the noun "recipe."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a recipe *to try* tonight).

Trying (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Trying different cuisines is one of my hobbies.

    Trying different cuisines is one of my hobbies.

    • "*Trying* different cuisines" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (one of my hobbies).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy trying new activities.

    I enjoy trying new activities.

    • "*Trying* new activities" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*trying* new activities).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a fear of trying new things.

    He has a fear of trying new things.

    • "Of *trying* new things" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *trying* new things).

Verbs Taking Infinitives/Gerunds as Objects

The following are verbs that can take only the base form of the verb (infinitive), only the -ing form (gerund), or both.

Verbs Taking Infinitives as Objects

Example

He plans to try a new workout routine next week.

We hope to try the new hiking trail this weekend.

She wants to try a different hairstyle for the party.

They decided to try the vegetarian restaurant for lunch.

We agreed to try the new sushi place together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys trying different recipes in the kitchen.

They recommend trying meditation for stress relief.

I dislike the idea of trying extreme sports.

He avoids trying spicy food.

Can you imagine yourself trying skydiving?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to try new restaurants in town. She likes trying new restaurants in town.

We started to try different hobbies during quarantine. We started trying different hobbies during quarantine.

He began to try new recipes every week. He began trying new recipes every week.

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!