try to do 表面的意思是; 试着做某事儿,但实际上的意思是：努力想做成某事儿 比如,i tried to escape,but i failed."我努力着想逃走,但是没有成功." 而try doing 表面意思也是:试着做某事儿,但实际意思是：（为了达到另外的一个目的）做某种尝试看行不行.比如,-------"So hot here,isn't it?" -------"Yes,why not try turning on the air conditioner?" "很热,是吧." “恩,就是.咱们开开空调吧,看看能不能凉快点儿.”
．mean to do是“打算,企图”的意思.Mean doing是表示“意味着”的意思.如：I had meant to leave on Sunday.我本打算周日走.I mean to stay here for a long time.我打算在这儿呆很久.Missing the train means waiting for another hour.赶不上火车预示着要再等一个小时.Revolution means liberating the productive forces.革命意味着解放生产力.2．mean通常不与否定的动词不定式搭配.如：I did not mean to hurt you.我并不是故意得罪你.（不说：I meant not to hurt you.）I meant no harm to you.我对你并无恶意.（不说：I meant not to harm you.）
