Let’s try to understand the difference between these two options. For starters, you can also try and understand the difference. 

The prevailing argument is that “try to” is more correct because when the verb “try” is followed by an infinitive verb, the infinitive needs to be preceded by “to.” 

However, that’s not a hard-and-fast rule for infinitives. “Try and” can work perfectly fine as it is; unfortunately, though, this phrase isn’t as versatile as “try to.” 

Compare: 

  • Try not to fall. / Try not and fall.
  • They tried to escape. / They tried and escaped.

—Sarah Muench