What words that come before and after the word trying to figure out are known as what?

The words that come before and after the phrase "trying to figure out" are known as modifiers.

Here's why:

* Before: The words before "trying to figure out" usually describe what is being figured out or how the figuring out is happening. For example:

* He was desperately trying to figure out... (describes how the figuring out is happening)

* They were trying to figure out the mystery... (describes what is being figured out)

* After: The words after "trying to figure out" usually describe what will happen after the figuring out or why it's important to figure it out. For example:

* ...trying to figure out the answer to the riddle. (describes what will happen after the figuring out)

* ...trying to figure out how to get home. (describes why it's important to figure it out)

In essence, the words before and after the phrase "trying to figure out" add details and context, making the sentence more informative.