Try and (ygdp.yale.edu)

Article summary

The article discusses the grammatical construction 'try and' in English, which is often considered prescriptively incorrect, but is actually a common and long-standing usage, particularly in British English. The construction has several interesting properties, including the ability to combine with a bare verb form and the restriction that the two conjuncts cannot be reordered. The article also explores the history and dialectal variation of 'try and', as well as its relationship to other instances of pseudocoordination in English. The construction is not a recent innovation, with examples dating back to the 16th century.

Main themes

• Grammar and syntax
• Language variation and dialects
• Prescriptive vs descriptive linguistics
• Historical linguistics
• Pseudocoordination in English

What commenters say

• The difference between 'try and' and 'try to' is largely a matter of regional dialect, with 'try and' being more common in British English.
• Some commenters argue that 'try and' implies a greater sense of commitment or determination, while others see no difference in meaning between the two constructions.
• The construction 'try and' is not unique to English, and similar constructions can be found in other languages, highlighting the complexity and diversity of language use.
• The use of 'try and' is often seen as more casual and friendly, while 'try to' is perceived as more formal, but this distinction is not universally accepted.
• Some commenters believe that the difference between 'try and' and 'try to' is a matter of nuance, with 'try and' implying a sense of daring or challenge, while 'try to' is more neutral.
• The discussion highlights the importance of descriptive linguistics in understanding language use, rather than relying on prescriptive rules.
• The construction 'try and' is not an exception that needs to be eliminated, but rather a natural part of the complexity and diversity of the English language.