1 definition by Grammar Policeman
A grammatically incorrect form of 'try to'. While 'try and' is commonly used, it is incorrect, as it technically means: try an unspecified action, then do the other, specified action. One can either try something, do something or try to do something, but one cannot try and do something.
Unlike 'try to', 'try and' is seldom inflected; whilst one may (incorrectly) use 'try and' instead of 'try to', one would very rarely use 'trying and' or 'tried and' instead of 'trying to' and 'tried to', respectively.
It is important to remember that 'try' is synonymous with 'attempt'. The word 'attempt' means to make an effort to achieve something. It is very rare to here 'attempt and' as most people recognise 'attempt and' as incorrect, however, the same people often fail bear that in mind when using the word 'try'.
Unlike 'try to', 'try and' is seldom inflected; whilst one may (incorrectly) use 'try and' instead of 'try to', one would very rarely use 'trying and' or 'tried and' instead of 'trying to' and 'tried to', respectively.
It is important to remember that 'try' is synonymous with 'attempt'. The word 'attempt' means to make an effort to achieve something. It is very rare to here 'attempt and' as most people recognise 'attempt and' as incorrect, however, the same people often fail bear that in mind when using the word 'try'.
Person 1: Try and speak good English.
Person 2: It is 'try to', not 'try and'; one can try something or try to do something, but not both at the same time.
The phrase 'try and', is as annoying as 'could of'.
Person 2: It is 'try to', not 'try and'; one can try something or try to do something, but not both at the same time.
The phrase 'try and', is as annoying as 'could of'.
by Grammar Policeman August 1, 2018