Should I say 'try to fix the computer' or 'try fixing the computer'? Which is right in my situation?
I'm writing an email at work to a colleague about a computer issue, and I'm unsure about which phrase sounds more natural or correct. For example, should I write "Can you try to fix the computer?" or "Can you try fixing the computer?"
Are both of these okay, or is there a difference in meaning between them? I want my message to sound clear and polite, but I'm a bit confused about when to use each one. Any advice or examples would be really helpful!
Context:
Writing in a formal office email. American English preferred.
What to Know
| Question You Likely Still Have | Direct Answer | How To Apply It |
|---|---|---|
| What is the core rule for computer fixing computer right? | Examples: "Can you try to fix the computer?" (Emphasizes making the effort to repair it.) "Can you try fixing the computer?" (Suggests that fixing the computer is one possible sol… | Self-edit: If suggesting a possible solution, "try [verb-ing]" often sounds a bit more collaborative and softer in office emails. |
| How do I apply computer fixing computer right in a sentence like mine? | Self-edit: If suggesting a possible solution, "try [verb-ing]" often sounds a bit more collaborative and softer in office emails. | Explanation: In American English, "try to [verb]" and "try [verb + -ing]" are both grammatical, but they carry slightly different meanings. |
| What mistakes should I avoid with computer fixing computer right? | Explanation: In American English, "try to [verb]" and "try [verb + -ing]" are both grammatical, but they carry slightly different meanings. | Try writing your own example with both forms to compare: try to restart the program vs. try restarting the program. |
3 Answers
Explanation:
In American English, "try to [verb]" and "try [verb + -ing]" are both grammatical, but they carry slightly different meanings.
- Pattern 1: try to + base verb focuses on making an attempt at something (effort may or may not succeed).
- Pattern 2: try + verb-ing suggests testing out an action to see if it solves a problem (experimenting with a method).
Examples:
- "Can you try to fix the computer?" (Emphasizes making the effort to repair it.)
- "Can you try fixing the computer?" (Suggests that fixing the computer is one possible solution to test.)
Practice:
When writing office emails, think: Am I asking for someone's effort (try to fix) or for someone to test a solution (try fixing)? Try writing your own example with both forms to compare: try to restart the program vs. try restarting the program.
Self-edit:
If suggesting a possible solution, "try [verb-ing]" often sounds a bit more collaborative and softer in office emails. Both forms are correct, but check your message's tone and intent.
Explanation:
Start by drafting your email: "Can you try to fix the computer?" Then ask yourself: Am I wanting the colleague to make an attempted repair (try to fix), or am I offering fixing the computer as a suggestion to see if it works (try fixing)?
Examples for correction:
- "Could you try running the update?" (Offering 'running the update' as a possible fix.)
- "Could you try to run the update?" (Focusing on the task completion and effort involved.)
Practice:
Switch between both forms in your draft emails, and see which best matches your intent. For example: try emailing the document vs. try to email the document. Remove confusion by choosing the phrase that clearly reflects either a suggested solution or an attempted action.
Explanation:
Let's compare the slight difference between the two forms:
- Try to fix the computer: Focuses on the effort or attempt, as if the task could be difficult to achieve.
- Try fixing the computer: Implies the action is one possible solution — give it a shot and see if it works.
Examples:
- "Please try to finish the report by Thursday." (Emphasis: It may be challenging, but please make the effort.)
- "Please try finishing the report tonight." (Emphasis: See if doing this tonight helps us meet the goal.)
Practice tip:
Review a draft message and ask: Am I highlighting the challenge of the action, or suggesting it as a possible solution? Adjust the form as needed. For office emails, both are fine, but "try [verb-ing]" usually feels more like a gentle suggestion.
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