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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 will try to solve this puzzle.

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 exciting.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To try (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To try is the first step towards success.

    To try is the first step towards success.

    • "*To try*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the first step towards success).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to try the new recipe.

    She wants me to try the new recipe.

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

    I need a guide to try this adventure sport.

    I need a guide to try this adventure sport.

    • "*To try* this adventure sport" modifies the noun "guide."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a guide *to try* this adventure sport).

Trying (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Trying new recipes is her passion.

    Trying new recipes is her passion.

    • "*Trying* new recipes" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (her passion).
  • 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 knack for trying new experiences.

    She has a knack for trying new experiences.

    • "For *trying* new experiences" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a knack for *trying* new experiences).

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 cuisines during their vacation.

He wants to try a different approach to problem-solving.

We decided to try a new hobby together.

They agreed to try the new restaurant in town.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys trying out new restaurants.

They recommend trying meditation for stress relief.

I dislike the idea of trying extreme sports.

He avoids trying spicy foods.

Can you imagine yourself trying skydiving?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to try new activities. She likes trying new activities.

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

He began to try different hobbies. He began trying different hobbies.

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