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Try and hit me!

Try to hit me!

Do the above example mean exactly the same and it's just a matter of preference to use which word?

He tried to make it better.

He tried and made it better.

The second example sounds strange when it comes to more formal sentence of that sort. Is it still a correct use of the phase?

apaderno
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user49119
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  • The first one confirms the 'try' whereas the second one confirms the 'betterment'. ;) – Maulik V Jan 25 '14 at 09:33
  • what about I will try and make it better versus I will try to make it better ? thanks – user49119 Jan 25 '14 at 09:51
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    I can mean almost exactly the same thing, sometimes. Compare your examples with this: Look to your left and right. vs. Look to your left, then look to your right. – Damkerng T. Jan 25 '14 at 10:26
  • @user49119. Okay again. The first one shows confidence and the latter one Confidence with probability. – Maulik V Jan 25 '14 at 13:41

2 Answers2

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The idiom "Try and X" is a bold command or challenge. This is colloquial, very informal, and does not sound professional. It can sound child-like or naive.

"Try and hit me!" is an idiomatic expression that means "Try to hit me!" or perhaps more accurately, "I dare you to try to hit me. You cannot!" It can be said playfully or antagonistically.

He tried to make it better. This means that he attempted (tried; put forth effort) to make it better. It doesn't indicate whether or not his attempt succeeded.

He tried and made it better. This is a standard conjunction. It means that he attempted (tried; put forth effort), and did in fact make it better. Note that this is not the "try and" idiom; it is not a command.

I will try and make it better. This is an awkward form. It's not the typical idiomatic "challenge" command form. It would surely be understood as I will to make it better. but it sounds a bit "off".

I will try to make it better. This sounds natural, sincere, and professional.

An overbearing boss might say, "I need you to rework this. But this time, try and get it right, ok?" Note the idiomatic use of the command/challenge form. It's a condescending tone.

CoolHandLouis
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"try" means attempt ; to attempt to do or get something :

Tim may not be good at math,but at least he tries.

" try to do something" :

She tried to forget about what had happened .

mmb
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