Using "to try"

Try + gerund means to experiment with an action.

Examples
  • If you have problems sleeping, you could try doing some yoga before you go to bed.
  • Why don't you try drinking some warm milk?
  • I would like to try driving a tank.
  • Have you ever tried eating snake?

Try + infinitive means to make an effort to do something. It may be something very difficult or even impossible.

Examples
  • The surgeons tried to save his life but he died on the operating table.
  • We'll try to phone at 6 o'clock, but it might be hard to find a public telephone.
  • Could you try to fix my shoes by tomorrow?
  • He tries to be quiet but he's always been a noisy child.