0
Davidrock65 Posted 19 years ago
Grammar

wear

Dear teachers
I was told that "see + someone + V-ing" indicates a complete action, whereas "see+someone+ infinitive" expresses the object being in the middle of doing something.
Then what's the difference between "I saw her wear a shirt." and "I saw her wearing a shirt?"
Thanks for anwering my questions
  

Top answer

I was told that " see + someone + V-ing " indicates a complete action , whereas " see+someone+ infinitive " expresses the object being in the middle of doing something . You have this reversed. " see + someone + V-ing " indicates the object being in the middle of doing something , whereas " see+someone+ infinitive " expresses a complete action.

— CalifJim

  • I was told that " see + someone + V-ing " indicates a complete action , whereas " see+someone+ infinitive " expresses the object being in the middle of doing something .
  • You have this reversed.
  • " see + someone + V-ing " indicates the object being in the middle of doing something , whereas " see+someone+ infinitive " expresses a complete action.
  • I saw her wear a shirt is somewhat anomalous.
  • It would require a contextual set-up to make sense.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

3 Answers
0
I was told that "see + someone + V-ing" indicates a complete action, whereas "see+someone+ infinitive" expresses the object being in the middle of doing something.

You have this reversed.

"see + someone + V-ing" indicates the object being in the middle of doing something, whereas "see+someone+ infinitive" expresses a comple
0
0
CalifJimI saw her wear a shirt is somewhat anomalous. It would require a contextual set-up to make sense.

I saw her wearing a shirt is the more likely construction.
Right on:

Google hits:
13 for "I saw her wear a"
217 for "I saw her wearing a"
0
0
I saw him cross the road. (I saw the whole action.)

I saw him crossing the road. (I didn't see the whole action.)
0

Related Questions