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K.O. Posted 20 years ago
Grammar
see him wonder/see him wondering
1.The local residents often saw Ken wandering through the streets.
2.The local residents often saw Ken wander through the streets.
Do these sentences have literally the same meaning?
2.The local residents often saw Ken wander through the streets.
Do these sentences have literally the same meaning?
Top answer
, It is my opinion that example number one is more vivid. It is as if we are shown Ken in the act of wandering. In example number two, however, we are shown the fact that he wanders.
- , It is my opinion that example number one is more vivid.
- It is as if we are shown Ken in the act of wandering.
- In example number two, however, we are shown the fact that he wanders.
- But I have noticed that native speakers do not often discern a distinction between such examples.
- It is a pity, no?
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8 Answers
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Dear K.O.,
It is my opinion that example number one is more vivid. It is as if we are shown Ken in the act of wandering. In example number two, however, we are shown the fact that he wanders.
But I have noticed that native speakers do not often discern a distinction between such examples. It is a pity, no?
It is my opinion that example number one is more vivid. It is as if we are shown Ken in the act of wandering. In example number two, however, we are shown the fact that he wanders.
But I have noticed that native speakers do not often discern a distinction between such examples. It is a pity, no?
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Hi goldmund,Thanks for your ' if a native speaker doesn't mind a distinction then there is no such a distinction at all.' reply.
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Goldmund, forgive me for butting in, but you don't seem to be online now...
K.O., I think G. meant there isa difference (with the -ing form, it's as if the people had a snapshot in their mind of the man wandering). Thing is, nowadays both forms are used interchangebly, and it's a shame!
K.O., I think G. meant there isa difference (with the -ing form, it's as if the people had a snapshot in their mind of the man wandering). Thing is, nowadays both forms are used interchangebly, and it's a shame!
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PieanneWith only this explanation at hand, I can only guess how to translate such cases properly, a fact that's also shame.
K.O., I think G. meant there is a difference (with the -ing form, it's as if the people had a snapshot in their mind of the man wandering).
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In French they would translate in the same way, it's also a shame I can't speak your language!
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PieanneIn French they would translate in the same way, it's also a shame I can't speak your language!Hi pieanne, right after typing my previous post I noticed that'also shame' part is wrong. But you made the same mistake. Is it possible a noun being preceded by an adverb?
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No, it's because the expression is "it's a shame". I may have made the same mistake, but you seem to have better eyes than mine!
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native speakers do not often discern a distinction between such examples.Maybe so, but I do in this case. In fact, I agree with your analysis, Goldmund.
CJ
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