I try vs. I'm trying

[Lucia]

Test No. incompl/elem-10 "Present Tense", question 10

I ......... to remember your name but I'm afraid I can't remember it.

(a) try
(b) am trying
(c) will trying

Test No. incompl/elem-10 "Present Tense", answer 10

I am trying to remember your name but I'm afraid I can't remember it.

Correct answer: (b) am trying

Your answer was: incorrect
I try to remember your name but I'm afraid I can't remember it.
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Which is the difference between "I'm trying" and "I try", please? Can I write down both terms? Thank you

[Torsten]

OK, let's take a look:

I'm trying is Present Continuous (Present Progressive)
I try is Present Simple

When you say I'm trying it is happening at the moment of speaking. For example: Please be quiet, I'm trying to fall asleep.

Or you can say Every time I try to fall asleep you start singing your strange songs.

In the second example you describe an action that takes place on a regular basis (every time) and it's not taking place at the moment of speaking and that's why you should use Present Simple.

So, yes both versions are correct if you use them in the appropriate context.
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Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary