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English Grammar


infinitive or "ing" form .

oiler
User since 2012
Posts: 1

13 Feb. 2012

Is this sentence really correct ?


"UK: I cried when I saw the man strike his dog. It struck me as very cruel."
should not it be : " I cried when I saw the man striking his dog. It struck me as very cruel."
Thank you for an answer and over all an explaination

2 comments

  • User since 2006
    Posts: 2715

    14 Feb. 2012

    Here is the feeling of one of your fellow-learner, just a feeling, hey! to try and oil our shoulder to shoulder tracking.


    I think it COULD be "...I saw the man striking his dog." as well. Grammatically both versions are correct but isn't it a shade of meaning that distinguishes the expressions.
    "I saw the man strike his dog": Awful ! The 'strike' appears in its full cruelty.
    "I saw the man striking his dog." : I witnessed a cruel habit or a cruel misdeed.
    It's up to the reader/listener to take it as it suits him best.


    I saw my challenger read my tactical plan of action. -> I'm done! It's all up for me!
    I saw my challenger reading my tactical plan. -> Gosh! He had the opportunity to spy me.


    Bye!
  • User since 2010
    Posts: 115

    11 March 2012

    Hi guys,


    AhQ, you're right that both sentences are possible.


    The nuance between them is that the first option (strike) focuses on the action as a whole, whereas the second option (striking) focuses on the action whilst it is taking place, during its occurrence.


    I hope that helps!

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