Intermediate grammar · Unit 57 · B1

Verb + -ing or to ... 2 (try, need, help)

-ing and to ...

try to do means make an effort; try doing means do it as an experiment. need to do is about what a person must do, while something needs doing means it needs to be done. help takes the infinitive with or without to, and can't help doing means you cannot stop yourself.

Go to the exercises

A try to ... and try -ing

try to do means attempt to do, make an effort to do.

try something or try doing something means do it as an experiment, to see whether it works or whether you like it.

Compare: I tried to open the window means I made the effort and failed, because it was stuck. I tried opening the window means I opened it to see whether the room would cool down. It did not, which was rather the point of the experiment.

  • I was so tired. I tried to concentrate, but I kept reading the same line.
  • Please try to be on time tomorrow.
  • This chutney is lovely. You should try some.
  • We tried every chemist in town, but none of them had any.
  • "The Wi-Fi isn't working." "Try switching the router off and on again."
  • I tried to open the window, but it was stuck.
  • The room was still too warm, so I tried opening the window.

B need to ... and need -ing

I need to do something means it is necessary for me to do it.

Something needs doing means it needs to be done. The thing, not the person, is the subject:

Person as subject Thing as subject
I need to wash the car. The car needs washing. (= needs to be washed)
  • She needs to practise more if she wants to pass.
  • I don't need to bring anything, do I?
  • The car needs washing.
  • Does this jumper need ironing?
  • It's a big decision. It needs thinking about carefully.
  • I need to wash the car.

C help and can't help

You can say help to do or help do, with or without to.

I can't help doing something means I cannot stop myself doing it. I can't help it means I cannot stop myself, whatever it is.

  • All the neighbours helped to clear the snow.
  • All the neighbours helped clear the snow.
  • Could you help me lift this box?
  • Could you help me to lift this box?
  • He's annoying, but I can't help liking him.
  • She tried to look serious, but she couldn't help smiling.
  • Sorry I keep yawning. I can't help it.

Exercises

57.1 Put the verb into the correct form.

  1. I was exhausted. I tried to stay awake, but I couldn't. (stay)

    I was exhausted. I tried to stay awake, but I couldn't.

  2. I tried the jar, but the lid was too tight. (open)

  3. I rang Alan's mobile, but he didn't answer. Then I tried his landline, but there was still no answer. (ring)

  4. We tried the stain out, but without success. In the end we threw the shirt away. (get)

  5. Please be quiet. I'm trying . (sleep)

  6. Rob needed a lift to the airport. He tried his brother, but his brother was working. (ask)

  7. The dentist is with a patient at the moment. Please try back later. (ring)

  8. The man's name was on the tip of my tongue. I tried it, but it wouldn't come. (remember)

  9. If the telly freezes, try it off and on again. (switch)

57.2 For each scene, write a sentence with need(s) + one of these verbs.

chargeironmendpolishwater

  1. A mobile phone shows 2% battery.

    My phone is nearly dead. It needs charging.

    My phone is nearly dead. It needs charging.

  2. A shirt on a hanger is badly creased.

    This shirt is very creased. It .

  3. Plants on a windowsill are dry and drooping.

    The plants are dry. They .

  4. A pair of black shoes is dull and scuffed.

    My shoes are scuffed. They .

  5. A garden fence has a large hole in it.

    There's a hole in the fence. It .

57.3 Which is right?

  1. I've been very lazy this month. I need ___ (doing / to do) some exercise.

    to do

    I've been very lazy this month. I need to do some exercise.

  2. These towels are filthy. They all need ___ (washing / to wash).

  3. Our dog is very old and can't manage the stairs. He needs ___ (carrying / to carry) up them.

  4. I can't give you an answer now. I need ___ (sleeping / to sleep) on it.

  5. The grass is getting long. It'll need ___ (mowing / to mow) soon.

  6. I'm worn out. I need ___ (having / to have) a proper holiday.

  7. The car looks clean enough. You don't need ___ (washing / to wash) it.

  8. The car looks clean enough. It doesn't need ___ (washing / to wash).

57.4 Put the verb into the correct form.

  1. She can be very annoying, but I can't help liking her. (like)

    She can be very annoying, but I can't help liking her.

  2. I can't find my glasses. Can you help me for them? (look)

  3. The couple at the next table were arguing. We couldn't help every word. (hear)

  4. Her laugh is so infectious. Whenever I hear it, I can't help . (laugh)

  5. The new coach helped the team much stronger. (make)

  6. Did you help the party? (plan)

  7. I keep thinking about the interview. I can't help about it. (worry)

  8. I can't help you a flat. You'll have to look for one yourself. (find)

See also