Try to or Try and: Which Is Correct?

Updated 2026-10-03 · Which One Is Correct editorial team

Quick answer: If you want to know which phrase is correct, start with this rule: try to is standard in formal writing, while try and is informal. Understanding the difference helps you sound polished in professional emails but relaxed in texts to friends.

The Short Answer

Try to is the standard choice for formal writing, whereas try and is considered informal and best reserved for casual conversation. Stick with the first option when drafting reports, academic papers, or business correspondence to ensure clarity and professionalism.

Many people confuse these two phrases because they sound nearly identical in rapid speech. The informal version has gained popularity through everyday dialogue, leading writers to mistakenly apply it in contexts where grammatical precision is expected and appreciated.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Form	Status	Use it when
Try to	Standard	Writing formal documents, essays, or professional emails
Try and	Informal	Texting friends or writing casual social media posts
Verb Phrase	Structure	Attempting an action with a specific goal in mind
North America	Region	Both forms are widely understood but used differently

Correct Example Sentences

Please try to finish the project before the deadline arrives.
You should try to eat healthier foods this week.
I will try to call you back as soon as I can.
Let us try to solve this puzzle together tonight.
They tried to find a solution to the complex problem.
We need to try to improve our customer service ratings.
She will try to arrive early to set up the venue.
He tried to explain the situation to his confused boss.
Students should try to read the entire chapter before class.
The team will try to win the championship this season.

Common Mistakes and Fixes

You should try and fix that leaky faucet soon.: You should try to fix that leaky faucet soon.
I am going to try and learn Spanish this year.: I am going to try to learn Spanish this year.
Please try and be on time for the meeting.: Please try to be on time for the meeting.
We need to try and reduce our carbon footprint.: We need to try to reduce our carbon footprint.
He tried and failed to climb the steep mountain.: He tried to climb the steep mountain but failed.
Can you try and send me the file?: Can you try to send me the file?

A Quick Test You Can Use

To check your usage, replace the phrase with the word attempt. If the sentence still makes sense with attempt, use try to. This simple substitution test helps you identify the grammatically standard structure quickly without worrying about complex rules or regional variations.

Related Word Pairs

Affect vs Effect: Use affect as a verb and effect as a noun in most cases.
Their vs There: Use their for possession and there for location or existence.
Its vs It's: Use its for possession and it's as a contraction for it is.
Then vs Than: Use then for time sequences and than for comparisons.
Who's vs Whose: Use who's as a contraction and whose for possession.

More Example Sentences

She decided to try to bake a sourdough loaf from scratch.
Can you try and help me move this heavy box?
You should try to meditate for ten minutes each morning.
Please try and keep the noise down during the exam.
He will try to contact the vendor by tomorrow morning.
We must try and preserve these historical documents.
I am going to try to run five miles this weekend.
They tried to explain the complex rule to the new players.
Let us try and finish the meal before it gets cold.
You need to try to understand the underlying cause of the error.

Quick Practice

She promised to call you before noon.

try to

Can you send me the updated report?

try and

He will fix the broken chair today.

try to

Please arrive early for the rehearsal.

try and

I am going to learn how to play guitar.

try to

Let us solve this mystery together.

try and

Frequently Asked Questions

Is try and ever grammatically correct?

Yes, try and is grammatically acceptable in informal contexts like casual conversation or texting. However, you should avoid using it in formal writing, academic papers, or professional business communications where standard rules apply.

Why do people use try and so often?

People use try and because it flows naturally in spoken English. The rhythm of the phrase often matches how we speak casually, making it feel more conversational, even though it is technically less formal than the standard alternative.

Can I use try and in a resume?

No, you should avoid using try and in a resume. Resumes require formal, concise, and professional language. Using the standard phrase try to ensures your document meets professional standards and presents you as a serious candidate.

Does the rule change in British English?

The rule remains largely the same in British English. While casual speakers might use both forms, formal writing guidelines in the UK still prefer try to for clarity and correctness, just as they do in American English standards.