see

Dear teachers

A1) I saw that Tyra had these big and black bags around her eyes when she didn't wear makeup.

A2) I saw Tyra have these big and black bags around her eyes when she didn't wear makeup.

B1) I saw that they were punching each other.

B2) I saw them punching each other.

Are they all correct? Could you please explain the differences between them?
Is there any distinction between see + a clause and see + infinitive/ V-ing?

Thanks for help!

Hi Davidrock

See + infinitive or present participle usually refers to an action:

I saw him reading a book in the libarary.
He was seen to cross the street.

See + a that-clause is often more or less the same as understand:

I saw that he had not even tried to learn it.

However, as having makeup is not an action, sentence A1 is correct even though see in it doesn't mean understand. Consequently, sentence A2 is wrong.

Punching is an action, so sentence B2 is correct (and in keeping with what I said above). Sentence B1 is a borderline case; strictly speaking it is wrong but you may hear people use sentences like that in converstion. My advice: avoid it.

Cheers
CB