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TRY TO—TRY AND

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International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 31, 1887

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 13, No. 13.

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TRY TO—TRY AND.

One of the most common errors of speech is the use of the conjunction after the word try. "I will try and go to the city." Here the conjunction connects two actions—trying, and going. It really means, I will try, and (I will) go. Now if "I will go," the words "will try" are redundant and useless. "Trying" is the necessary antecedent of going, and need not be expressed.
But what if I only intend to go, but do not know that it is possible. Then do not use an expression which includes a positive promise to go. Say, "I will try to go." Use the preposition instead of the conjunction, and all will be right. This error is so common that, with many, an effort will be necessary to correct it.