To me, “try to catch me!” feels more formal than “try and catch me!” Which feels kinda playful, but are both saying basically the same thing.

▲

munchler 6 days ago | parent | next [-]

I think “try and” is used more by children than by adults, which is why it works well in this sort of playful, childlike phrase.

	▲	card_zero 6 days ago \| parent [-]
		Different sociolinguistic register, innit.

▲

posix86 6 days ago | parent | prev [-]

Basically yes, but I do hear nuance, idk if it's right - "try and" feels more daring, like "I think you can't", while "try to" feels more neutral, just a command.

	▲	segmondy 6 days ago \| parent \| next [-]
		You are right on the nuance. "try and catch me" for me, means I'm going to give it my all not to be caught and I believe I will not be caught. Good luck, try and catch me. "Try to catch me" means I think you might have some chance.
	▲	Waterluvian 6 days ago \| parent \| prev [-]
		Yeah like if a kid runs off and says “try to catch me!” It’s a “c’mon and play!” But “try and catch me” is a challenge, a dare, a taunt even.