When translating Japanese sentences into English, it’s important to understand subtle differences in verb usage. One common point of confusion is the distinction between ‘try to’ and ‘try ~ing’. In this article, we’ll break down these two phrases and clarify their meanings through the example sentence, ‘He tried to solve the question.’ We’ll also explore why the translation uses ‘tried to solve’ and not ‘tried solving.’
Understanding ‘Try to’ vs. ‘Try ~ing’
The phrases ‘try to’ and ‘try ~ing’ are often confusing for English learners, as they both involve the action of attempting something. However, the key difference lies in their nuances. ‘Try to’ is used when someone is making an effort to accomplish a specific goal, while ‘try ~ing’ refers to experimenting with something or attempting it as a test.
For example, ‘He tried to solve the question’ suggests that he made an effort to solve the problem but was unsuccessful. On the other hand, ‘He tried solving the question’ would imply that he experimented with different methods of solving it but didn’t necessarily expect success. The distinction is subtle but significant in how the action is perceived.
Why ‘He Tried to Solve’ is Correct
The sentence ‘He tried to solve the question’ is the correct translation because it conveys the idea of someone making an effort to complete a task, which aligns with the original Japanese meaning. The use of ‘to solve’ emphasizes the goal-oriented nature of the action. In this context, the person was focused on trying to solve the problem, even though they failed to do so.
In English, when we talk about making an effort to achieve something specific, we use ‘try to’ followed by the base form of the verb. For example: ‘I tried to eat healthier,’ or ‘She tried to finish the project on time.’ These sentences all emphasize the effort made towards accomplishing a particular goal.
When to Use ‘Try ~ing’
‘Try ~ing’ is used when you are testing something or experimenting with an activity to see if it works or is effective. For instance, ‘He tried solving the question’ suggests that he experimented with different approaches, but this structure doesn’t necessarily imply that he was focused on solving the problem as his main goal.
In other words, ‘try ~ing’ is often used when someone is attempting something for the first time or testing out different methods. It’s about the act of trial and error, rather than a serious, concentrated effort to achieve a specific outcome.
Examples to Clarify the Difference
To better understand the distinction between ‘try to’ and ‘try ~ing’, here are some examples:
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‘She tried to fix the computer.’ (She made an effort to repair it.)
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‘She tried fixing the computer.’ (She experimented with different methods of fixing it, but may not have succeeded.)
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‘I tried to call him, but he didn’t answer.’ (I made an effort to call him.)
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‘I tried calling him, but he didn’t answer.’ (I experimented by calling him in different ways, perhaps at different times.)
These examples show how the choice of ‘try to’ or ‘try ~ing’ can change the meaning of a sentence based on whether the action is focused on effort or experimentation.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Expression in English
In conclusion, while both ‘try to’ and ‘try ~ing’ involve attempts, the key difference lies in the nature of the attempt. ‘Try to’ emphasizes an effort to accomplish a specific goal, while ‘try ~ing’ suggests experimenting or testing out different methods.
For the sentence ‘He tried to solve the question,’ the use of ‘try to’ is correct because it implies a focused effort to solve the problem, even if he didn’t succeed. Understanding these subtle differences in verb usage will help you accurately express actions and intentions in English.
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