Verb + -ing or to.... (try/need/help)

I can't help doing something = I can't stop myself doing it:

- I don't like him, but he has a lot of problems. I can't help feeling sorry for him. -She tried to be serious, but she couldn't help laughing. (=she couldn't stop herself laughing) - I'm sorry I'm so nervous. I can't help it. (= I can't help being nervous)

You can say help to do or help do (with or without to):

- Everybody helped to clean up after the party. or Everybody helped clean up.... -Can you help me to move this table? or Can you help me move?

Try to.... and try -ing

Try to do= attempt to do, make an effort to do: - I was very tired. I tried to keep my eyes open, but I couldn't. -Please try to be quiet when you come home. Everyone will be asleep.

Need to.... and need -ing

I need to do something= it is necessary for me to do it: -I need to get more exercise. - He needs to work harder if he wants to make progress. - I don't need to come to the meeting, do I?

If try ( with this meaning) is followed by a verb, we say trying:

-A: the photocopier doesn't seem to be working. -B: Try pressing the green button. (=press the green button- perhaps this will help to solve the problem) Compare: -I tried to move the table, but it was too heavy. - I didn't like the way the furniture was arranged, so I tried moving the table to the other side of the room. But it didn't look right, so I moved it back again.

Try also means 'do something' as an experiment or test'. For example:

-These cakes are delicious. You should try one. (= you should have one to see if you like it) -We couldn't find anywhere to stay. We tried every hotel in the town, but they were all full. (=we went to every hotel to see if they had a room)

Something needs doing= It needs to be done:

Need - ing -My phone needs charging. (=it needs to be charged) -Do you think this jacket needs cleaning? (=....needs to be cleaned) -It's difficult problem. It needs thinking about very carefully (= it needs to be thought about)