Grammar

Question

"I will check it with my own eyes, not just hear from them."

I guess this sentence is rather awkward. I'm trying to make it mean I will check it in person, instead of just hearing from them.
Does this sentence make sense? please correct it right.

Thanks in advance.

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

"I will check it with my own eyes, not just hear from them."

I guess this sentence is rather awkward. I'm trying to make it mean I will check it in person, instead of just hearing from them.

Does this sentence make sense? please correct it right.

I'd just say 'I will check it with my own eyes'. It's a common phrase that is easily understood.

You should also consider the idea of 'getting information second-hand'. This is a common way of saying that someone tells you about something that you do not experience for yourself.

eg 'I don't want to hear about this second-hand'.

Best wishes, Clive

Mariott · Answer

Thanks so much Clive.
So, is my sentence ( I will check it with my own eyes, not just hear from them) grammatically correct?
Don't i need to say-- I will check it with my own eyes, not just hearing from them?

Clive · Answer

Hi,

So, is my sentence ( I will check it with my own eyes, not just hear from them) grammatically correct?

Yes, except you need to say

I will check it with my own eyes, and not just hear from them.

Even here, in strict grammar terms, 'them' refers to 'eyes', so you should clarify the reference,

eg I will check it with my own eyes, and not just hear from the people in the laboratory.

Don't i need to say-- I will check it with my own eyes, not just hearing from them? This is incorrect grammar. The second part does not fit at all with the first part.

I'm talking here only about grammar.

In terms of vocabulary and colloquial speech, don't use the verb 'hear' here. I think you understand this from my previous reply.

Clive

Mariott · Answer

Thanks millions Clive!

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