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To Try vs Trying Infinitives & Gerunds

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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 new recipes.

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 is important in order to succeed.

    To try is important in order to succeed.

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

    She wants me to try her homemade cookies.

    She wants me to try her homemade cookies.

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

    I need a good blender to try new smoothie recipes.

    I need a good blender to try new smoothie recipes.

    • "*To try* new smoothie recipes" modifies the noun "blender."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a good blender *to try* new smoothie recipes).

Trying (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Trying new foods is an adventure.

    Trying new foods is an adventure.

    • "*Trying* new foods" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an adventure).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy trying different cuisines.

    I enjoy trying different cuisines.

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

    She has a fear of trying new activities.

    She has a fear of trying new activities.

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

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

She plans to try a new workout routine next week.

They hope to try new restaurants during their vacation.

He wants to try rock climbing for the first time.

We decided to try a new hobby together.

They agreed to try a new recipe for dinner tonight.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys trying new sports every summer.

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 different hairstyles. She likes trying new hairstyles.

We started to try a new fitness program. We started trying a new fitness program.

He began to try new hobbies. He began trying new hobbies.

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