Lesson

Verb + -ing or to... (try/need/help)

Try/need/help patterns

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Verb + -ing or to... (try / need / help)

Some English verbs are followed by a gerund (-ing form) or an infinitive (to + base verb). For verbs like try, need and help, the form you choose can change the meaning or be a matter of grammar. This lesson explains the differences and gives clear rules for business contexts.

  • Try: 'try + to' = make an effort; 'try + -ing' = experiment with a solution.
  • Need: 'need + to' = obligation; 'need + -ing' (or 'need + past participle') = something requires an action.
  • Help: can be followed by the bare infinitive or 'to' + infinitive; rarely followed by -ing.

Understanding the difference helps you choose the right form in reports, emails and meetings.

Table

Verb forms: try, need, help (examples)

Verb & Form Meaning / Use Example
try + to + verb Make an effort; attempt (focus on the effort) I tried to submit the report before the deadline, but the server crashed.
try + verb-ing Experiment or test a possible solution I tried restarting the server to solve the connectivity issue.
need + to + verb Obligation or necessity (someone must do it) You need to update the spreadsheet before the meeting.
need + verb-ing Something requires an action (often passive meaning) The spreadsheet needs updating before the meeting.
help + (to) + verb Assist someone; both 'help + verb' and 'help + to + verb' are possible She helped (to) prepare the quarterly presentation.
help + verb-ing Rare / ungrammatical as direct object in many contexts Incorrect: She helped preparing the presentation. (Use 'helped prepare' or 'helped to prepare')

Tip

Key rule: choose form by meaning

Decide whether you mean 'attempt', 'experiment', 'require', or 'assist':

  • 'Try + to' = attempt or effort (I tried to connect).
  • 'Try + -ing' = test a solution or experiment (I tried restarting).
  • 'Need + to' = someone must do it; 'Need + -ing' = something requires action (The file needs updating).
  • 'Help' = use the infinitive (with or without 'to'): 'help (to) finish'. Avoid 'help + -ing' as the direct complement.

Ask: Is it an attempt, an experiment, a requirement, or assistance? That decides the form.

Example

Examples in context

I tried to reach the client, but his phone was off.

I tried sending a follow-up email and that solved the issue.

The project needs revising before the board meeting.

She helped prepare the budget forecast for the next quarter.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Learners often confuse forms and meanings. Watch for these universal errors:

  • Using -ing or to interchangeably when the meaning changes (e.g., 'tried to' vs 'tried -ing').
  • Using 'help' + -ing as a direct object (incorrect: 'helped preparing').
  • Confusing 'need + -ing' (something requires action) with 'need + to' (someone must do it).
  • Forgetting that some verbs allow both forms but with different senses or frequencies.

When in doubt, ask whether it's an attempt, an experiment, a requirement or assistance.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Check which verb form follows 'help' in standard English.

Quiz

Complete: The report _____ proofreading before submission.

Hint: Consider how to express that something requires an action.

Quiz

Which sentence uses 'try + -ing' to mean 'experiment/test a solution'?

Hint: Focus on whether the action is an experiment or an attempt.

Key Points

Vocabulary

try

verb CEFR B1 //traɪ//

to attempt or to experiment with something

I will try to finish the analysis today.

Vocabulary

need

verb CEFR B1 //niːd//

to require something or someone to do something

The file needs updating before the presentation.

Vocabulary

help

verb CEFR A2 //hɛlp//

to assist someone in doing something

She helped prepare the agenda for the meeting.

GrammarPoint

gerund

noun CEFR B2 //ˈdʒɛrənd//

a verb form ending in -ing used as a noun or after certain verbs

Updating the document took longer than expected.

GrammarPoint

to-infinitive

grammar CEFR B1 //tuːˈɪnfɪnɪtɪv//

the infinitive form of a verb with 'to', often used after certain verbs or to express purpose

We plan to hire one more analyst next quarter.

GrammarPoint

bare infinitive

grammar CEFR B2 //bɛə ˌɪnfɪˈnɪtɪv//

the infinitive form without 'to', used after certain verbs like 'help' or modal verbs

They made him apologize. ('apologize' is a bare infinitive)