1. I try to avoid draughty places? 2. I try avoiding draughty places? As I'm likely to catch a cold
8 answers from our tutors
Best answer
Try + ing used when attempting something or a new experience Try + to used when attempting something difficult or failed to do if it is in the past
I once heard, long ago, on a BBC World Service that if there is a distinction between the two, then the one with an infinitive would be more specific, i.e. used in isolated or singular cases, whereas the other with a gerund is used in regular, i.e. repetitive actions.
Patience is the key.
Check your English level for free
Take our quick and free test to find out your current level of English
Start test
They both are correct, no question marks, its a statement, either being a person says in a conversation, the second is more "in the moment"
The correct one is ,number 2 I try avoiding draughty places, as I'm likely to catch a cold.
I think the correct way to say it is " I am trying to avoid draughty places, as I'm likely to catch a cold".
try + ing form = try something as an experiment, attempt something, usually once try + verb with ‘to’ = try your best at doing something
Hi there, very interesting question. In this case, as you are presenting a reason for your action, I think it is better if you use: "I try to avoid", as we use this structure to express the purpose of something. Hope it helps, best wishes!
Other student questions
Best answer
- How many more English words (Homographs) and definitions can you think of ?
English words that are spelled the same, pronounced the same, but have different meanings: # Homographs 1. Bank (financial institution) and bank (slope or incline) 2. Bat (flying mammal) and bat (sports equipment) 3. Bolt (fastener) and bolt ( sudden movement) 4. Cloud (weather phenomenon) and cloud (collection of data or applications online) 5. Dish (plate or serving container) and dish (prepare and serve food) 6. Draft (preliminary version of a document) and draft (current of air) 7. Light (not heavy) and light (source of illumination) 8. Match (small stick used to produce fire) and match (competition or sporting event) 9. Mean (intend to convey) and mean (unkind or unpleasant) 10. Park (outdoor recreational area) and park (to leave a vehicle in a stationary position) 11. Pen (writing instrument) and pen (enclosure for animals) 12. Pole (long, thin piece of wood or metal) and pole (northern or southern end of the Earth) 13. Right (correct or proper) and right (direction or location)
