Split meaning

Question

Hi Everyone,My question is so bizarre, I didn't know what to call it.My class had to do their weekly test this morning. In one section they had to read a series of sentences that were placed in pairs. Sentence (a) and sentence (b). They had to read a number of paired sentences and decide whether the two sentences had the same meaning, or different meanings. My question relates to one set of sentences:(a) I tried getting a job at the supermarket.(b) I tried to get a job at the supermarket.To me, these sentences mean exactly the same thing. However, the answer sheet says that they have different meanings. For the love of chocolate donuts..HOW are they different?There is NO WAY I can see a difference. Does anyone see a difference between these two sentences? If so...please explain.Miss majorly stumped.??

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

Cup cakeMy question relates to one set of sentences:(a) I tried getting a job at the supermarket.(b) I tried to get a job at the supermarket.To me, these sentences mean exactly the same thing. However, the answer sheet says that they have different meanings.

Only in a test are they slightly different in meaning.

A = I sought that experience (i.e., it was not important whether I actually succeeded).
B = I attempted to obtain that job (i.e., it was important that I get the job).

That question is a poor example of this particular grammar point. Here is a better case:

I tried to tap dance, but I could not do it.
I tried tap dancing and became an expert.

Fivejedjon · Answer

I tried to tap dance but fell into the sink.

(Note for AmE members - BrE tap = AmE faucet).

Cup cake · Answer

Thanks Mr. M.

I asked another teacher just before giving it out to the class. She said exactly the same as you, albeit she read it in a text book beforehand. She couldn't see any difference either.

I like your example much better, although the grammar is reversed. Doesn't the gerund mean - not serious about trying, and the infinitive - serious about trying (and succeeding?)

Fivejedjon · Answer

Cup cakeDoesn't the gerund mean - not serious about trying, and the infinitive - serious about trying (and succeeding?)

No. If you try doing something, you actually do it. You want to find out whether it is the appropriate thing to do.

If you try to do something, you make the attempt. If we talk about trying to do something in the past, then the assumption is that the attempt was not successful.

Teechr · Answer

fivejedjonI tried to tap dance but fell into the sink.

That's a good one - "faucet dancing!"

Cup cake · Answer

No. If you try doing something, you actually do it. You want to find out whether it is the appropriate thing to do.

In my mind, if you actually do it, then you've gone past the point of whether it's appropriate or not by virtue of the fact you've already done it. Whether you were successful, or you've changed your mind is irrelevant. It's still an action you took.

If you try to do something, you make the attempt. If we talk about trying to do something in the past, then the assumption is that the attempt was not successful.

I also think that making an attempt is still 'doing'.

For example, a few years ago I applied for a job at The Department of Education. I got an interview; I attended the interview, sat and passed a 40 minute writing test during the process, and the interviewer phoned my referees the next day. I found out one week later that the job itself was canned due to a departmental restructure, which mean't I didn't get the job.

In this example, I tried getting a new job, but circumstances outside of my control mean't that I didn't get it. I nonetheless, still made the attempt. I think that attempting something is still 'doing'. It's still an action.

If you 'try to do' something, it too is an action. I personally think there are way too many variables to ever make an assumption about someone's intention and actions.

I personally think this grammar point is totally superfluous.

How many native speakers would ever see this difference, much less foreingers trying to learn English. Lol.

Me thinks - none.

Fivejedjon · Answer

Cup cakeIn my mind, if you actually do it, then you've gone past the point of whether it's appropriate or not by virtue of the fact you've already done it. Whether you were successful, or you've changed your mind is irrelevant. It's still an action you took

At the moment of trying, you don't actually know. It was very stuffy in the room, so I tried opening the window (to see if it would clear the air). Only after opening the window will the speaker know if that action had worked.

Cup cakeIn this example, I tried getting a new job, but circumstances outside of my control mean't that I didn't get it. I nonetheless, still made the attempt. I think that attempting something is still 'doing'. It's still an action.

No you didn't. You tried to get a job. You did not get the job.

Fivejedjon · Answer

Cup cakeHow many native speakers would ever see this difference, much less foreingers trying to learn English

All native speakers see and understand the difference clearly.

Cup cake · Answer

OK...I'm using a couple of other examples.

This bottom example is a 'tiny' bit closer to the point, but still not fully.

I tried getting into the queue.
I tried to get into the queue.

Gosh....the penny still isn't dropping. I don't know why.

Fivejedjon · Answer

Cup cakeI tried getting into the queue.I tried to get into the queue.

1. We know that you actually got into the queue.
2. We know only that you attempted to get into the queue. Unless it's made explicit in a later sentence, we normally assume that you didn't succeed.

Split meaning

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions