Normally 'try' + infinitival clause and 'try' + gerund-participial clause have different meanings.

(1) You should try to drink this.
(2) You should try drinking this.

In this pair, 'try' in (1) means "endeavour" whereas in (2) it means "test the effectiveness of".

Can you see the difference?


PaulM

Thank you, it was a short and clear explanation.

Please, confirm if I got it right, this is how I understand it now

You should try to drink this medicine (and you will see if you can do it or not because it tastes really awful)

You should try drinking this medicine (and you will see if it helps or not)

Are you asking solely about those two sentences, or are you wanting to understand more about the difference between when to use the infinitive, and when to use the gerund?

PM: Essentially, yes: make an effort to do something, i.e. endeavour.


PM: Yes, that's right.

It's a question I get asked a lot, and I'm pleased you've managed to grasp the difference in meaning between the two different complements of "try".


PaulM