Difference between " try to " & "try ing"

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Nddad  #480067  Fri, 22 Feb 08 01:36 AM

A: What terrible weather I simply can't get the car __. 

B: Why not try __ the engine with hot  water?


① starting ; to fill     ② start ; filling    ③ started ; to fill     ④ to start ; filling
 

Which is correct answer?

What is difference between infinitive and gerund ??

Regards, Terry

  
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CalifJim  #480074  Fri, 22 Feb 08 02:03 AM
 You need 4.  get the car to start / try filling the engine ...

You're using try within a suggestion, so the -ing form is the best choice.  Both 2 and 4 have filling, but you can't use 2 because the grammar of get is that you need get [noun] to [verb]

Infinitives have the base form of the verb with to to try, to fill, ... 

Gerunds are the -ing forms (used as a nouns):  trying, filling, ... 

CJ 

From the viewpoint of auto mechanics, I don't think either answer is correct!  Smile 

  
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Pter  #480085  Fri, 22 Feb 08 02:26 AM
Hi Jim, 

What if the word is "move" instead of "start"?  Should we say "get the car moving" or "get the car to move"?

  
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CalifJim  #480091  Fri, 22 Feb 08 02:50 AM
 
Pter
Should we say "get the car moving" or "get the car to move"?
Either one is OK in this case.

start (in this context) is an achievement.  It happens in an instant.

move (in this context) is an activity.  It takes place over a period of time.

For achievements, it's get X to Yget the car to start; get the car to stop.

For activities, it's get X to Y or get X Yingget the car [to move / moving]; get the car [to run / running].  Of the two, the -ing form is probably used more; it emphasizes activity more.

CJ 

 

  
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