Words students confuse: try to and try and

ScottsEnglish

Students often confuse try to and try and.

I had a student say in class, "I am going to try and explain the following text."

This is incorrect! She should have said, "I am going to try to explain the following text."

The verb "to try" is followed by the infinitive form of the verb "to + verb".

For example, "He is going to try to climb the highest mountain in his country", or "I will try to send you a message every day of my vacation."

However, the construction to try and does exist.

For example, "I'm sure she is going to try, and this time I hope she succeeds", "You will need to try, and then you will know if you can do it.

Be careful not to confuse these two forms in your speaking and your writing!