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Hans51 Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

I do not like the boy singing there

1) I do not like the boy's / the boy singing there.
2) I do not like the boy (who is) singing there.

I am confused when I see "I do not like the boy singing there", which one should I apply between #1 and #2?

How can I distinguish between them in meaning or there is no meaning difference whether it comes from relative clauses or subject of gerund in meaning? Or only context tell us what it means and they are considered as different?

Thank you so much!
  

Top answer

If by (1) you mean "I do not like the fact that the boy is singing there" then interpretations (1) and (2) are both possible. "I do not like the boy's singing there" would usually mean "I do not like the manner in which the boy sings that part". The interpretation "I do not like the fact that the boy is singing there" may be technically feasible, but in practice it feels pretty strained.

— GPY

  • If by (1) you mean "I do not like the fact that the boy is singing there" then interpretations (1) and (2) are both possible.
  • "I do not like the boy's singing there" would usually mean "I do not like the manner in which the boy sings that part".
  • The interpretation "I do not like the fact that the boy is singing there" may be technically feasible, but in practice it feels pretty strained.
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1 Answers
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If by (1) you mean "I do not like the fact that the boy is singing there" then interpretations (1) and (2) are both possible.

"I do not like the boy's singing there" would usually mean "I do not like the manner in which the boy sings that part". The interpretation "I do not like the fact that the boy is singing there" may be technically feasible, but in practice it feels pretty strained.
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