I learned these sentences in my textbook.
- I try not to talk about work at home.
- Teachers have to avoid speaking too quickly
Can we also say the following sentences? What is the difference?
- Teachers have to try not to speak too quickly.
- I avoid talking about work at home.
Best Answer
When we speak of trying not to do something, the implication is that it is easy to start doing that thing unintentionally. You might find yourself talking about work at home because it is very much on your mind. A teacher who naturally speaks quickly has to make a conscious effort to speak more slowly when in front of the class.
Avoiding doing something doesn't have the same implication - it just means not doing it.
(Note that not to try isn't the same as try not to.)