The phrase "try and" is endlessly annoying to me. I think it's gaining steam because it's easier to say than "try to," and it implies ease of the task being attempted, rather than the prospect of failing. We just seem to like things that are easy.

If "try and" is correct grammar, would someone please give me a sample sentence using the phrase, and then give me that same sentence in the past tense? You can easily do it with "try to." I'm going to try to visit her." "I tried to visit her."

Can't do it with "try and," can ya?