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Nugso Posted 14 years ago
Grammar
Infinitive and -ing Form
Hello all. I have just returned from a two-week holiday and I tried to study English instead of taking a rest. 
I'd like to ask a few questions(in separate posts of course!).
I saw the book lying on the table.
I heard the bomb explode.
I could see John getting on the bus.
Sometimes we can use both infinitive and -ing form, ie I saw a man running away. I saw a man run away. They, as far as I know, have a slight difference. But in the sentences in bold, we can not say I could see john get on the bus or I heard the bomb exploding. Could you please tell me why is that?
Note: The sentences in bold were quoted from Michael Swan.
I'd like to ask a few questions(in separate posts of course!).I saw the book lying on the table.
I heard the bomb explode.
I could see John getting on the bus.
Sometimes we can use both infinitive and -ing form, ie I saw a man running away. I saw a man run away. They, as far as I know, have a slight difference. But in the sentences in bold, we can not say I could see john get on the bus or I heard the bomb exploding. Could you please tell me why is that?
Note: The sentences in bold were quoted from Michael Swan.
Top answer
-- You can certainly say this, so if you have quoted Swan's comment accurately, it is an oversight on his part. - You cannot say this because an explosion happens too fast to have a discernible duration. Compare it with this, which is fine because it is now a durational event: 'I heard the bombs exploding'.
- -- You can certainly say this, so if you have quoted Swan's comment accurately, it is an oversight on his part.
- - You cannot say this because an explosion happens too fast to have a discernible duration.
- Compare it with this, which is fine because it is now a durational event: 'I heard the bombs exploding'.
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2 Answers
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I could see John get on the bus.-- You can certainly say this, so if you have quoted Swan's comment accurately, it is an oversight on his part.
I heard the bomb exploding.- You cannot say this because an explosion happens too fast to have a discernible duration. Compare it with this, which is fine because it is now a durational event: 'I heard the bombs exploding'.
I heard the bomb exploding.- You cannot say this because an explosion happens too fast to have a discernible duration. Compare it with this, which is fine because it is now a durational event: 'I heard the bombs exploding'.
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Wow! Thank you Mr.M. That was a good example. And also I beg your pardon I should have posted more context;
After see/hear ( which refer to actions and events that are in progress, see -125), only the -ing structure is used.
And exercise 125 is about the use of see, hear, feel.( I can see Susan coming. NOTI'm seeing....)
After see/hear ( which refer to actions and events that are in progress, see -125), only the -ing structure is used.
And exercise 125 is about the use of see, hear, feel.( I can see Susan coming. NOT
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