> > So, after this rather lengthy introduction to the dilemma, here it is: When do you say "try to", and when do you say "try and"? Are there any absolute rules, or can you use whichever of them you want at any time?
>
> Both are correct, but "try to" is generally considered better. Use of "and" in place of "to" in this context is called a "hendiadys," which refers to the use of a conjunction ("and") in place of what would normally be the subordination of one word to another ("to").

Hendiadys is a feature of Koine Greek, too, and I vaguely remembered encountering it in my New Testament Greek classes a few years ago. The explanation you provided above didn't sound quite right when I read it, so I went and looked up "hendiadys" at m-w.com and dictionary.com.

The definition given on those sites agrees with yours: hendiadys is the use of a conjunction to connect two words in place of subordinating one word to the other; but I don't think it applies to the question of "try and (do something)" versus "try to (do something)". Words joined through hendiadys are nouns or adjectives rather than verbs and infinitives/other verbs.

The two dictionary sites gave these examples of hendiadys:
"grace and favor" as a replacement for "gracious favor"
"nice and warm" as a replacement for "nicely warm"

I don't think that "try and (do something)" qualifies as an instance of hendiadys. But disirregardless, what a cool bit of grammar to bring up! Thanks for reminding me about it. :-)

Iss "nice and gimlet-eyed" achar