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Jaybee Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
On sentence structure
In this sentence:
My heart seemed to stop beating when I saw you.
What is the function of the infinitive phrase "to stop beating" in this particular sentence? Is it a direct object or is it a subjective complement? My teacher argues that the verb "seemed" is a transitive verb, not a linking verb, which makes the infinitive phrase a direct object. But one of my classmates thinks it is a linking verb, in which case, the infinitive phrase becomes a subjective complement.
Thank you. Your insights will be very much appreciated.
My heart seemed to stop beating when I saw you.
What is the function of the infinitive phrase "to stop beating" in this particular sentence? Is it a direct object or is it a subjective complement? My teacher argues that the verb "seemed" is a transitive verb, not a linking verb, which makes the infinitive phrase a direct object. But one of my classmates thinks it is a linking verb, in which case, the infinitive phrase becomes a subjective complement.
Thank you. Your insights will be very much appreciated.
Top answer
'Seem' is a linking verb and the infinitive is a complement. SEEM –verb (used without object) 1. : She seems better this morning.
- 'Seem' is a linking verb and the infinitive is a complement.
- SEEM –verb (used without object) 1.
- : She seems better this morning.
- 2.
- : It seems to me that someone is calling.
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1 Answers
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'Seem' is a linking verb and the infinitive is a complement.
SEEM–verb (used without object)
1.
to appear to be, feel, do, etc.: She seems better this morning.
2.
to appear to one's own senses, mind, observation, judgment, etc.: It seems to me that someone is calling.
3.
to appear to
SEEM–verb (used without object)
1.
to appear to be, feel, do, etc.: She seems better this morning.
2.
to appear to one's own senses, mind, observation, judgment, etc.: It seems to me that someone is calling.
3.
to appear to
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