Have you ever been puzzled about whether to use “try and” or “try to” in your writing? This common confusion can leave even the most seasoned writers second-guessing themselves.
Imagine you’re drafting an important email, and you want to sound both professional and natural. You write, “I’ll try and finish the report by Friday,” but a nagging thought makes you wonder if “I’ll try to finish the report by Friday” would be better.
Let’s explore the nuances of these two phrases to clear up the confusion and help you choose the right one for your context.
Understanding “Try and” and “Try to”
“Try and”: Definition and Usage
“Try and” is typically used in informal contexts. It means making an attempt and subsequently doing the action. For example:
- “I’ll try and call you tomorrow.”
- “Can you try and finish this by noon?”
“Try to”: Definition and Usage
Contrastingly, “try to” is more formal and is often applied in written and professional contexts. It stands for making an effort to accomplish something. For instance:
- “I’ll try to call you tomorrow.”
- “Can you try to finish this by noon?”
Side-by-Side Comparison
To further clarify the differences and help you decide which to use, here’s a side-by-side comparison:
| Aspect | Try and | Try to |
| Definition | Attempt and do the action | Attempt to do the action |
| Common Usage | “I’ll try and call you.” | “I’ll try to call you.” |
| Key Differences | Informal, conversational | Formal, professional |
When deciding between “try and” and “try to,” consider key factors such as audience, context, and formality. If you are in a casual conversation, “try and” is generally the preferred term.
However, if you are in a professional or formal setting, “try to” may be more appropriate. Remember, the best choice often depends on the context and the level of formality required.
Everyday Usage Examples
To further illustrate how “try and” and “try to” fit into everyday language, let’s look at some examples:
- Informal Setting:
- “I’ll try and make it to the party on time.” (casual, conversational)
- “Try and see if you can fix this problem.” (friendly, informal)
- Formal Setting:
- “I’ll try to attend the meeting on time.” (professional, formal)
- “Try to see if you can resolve this issue.” (serious, business-like)
Conclusion
In summary, whether you use “try and” or “try to” depends largely on the context and formality of the situation. “Try and” is suitable for informal, conversational scenarios, while “try to” is appropriate for formal, professional contexts. By understanding these nuances, you can ensure your writing is both accurate and effective, no matter the audience.