see (that)

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Teo

#313724 Thu, 11 Jan 07 03:11 AM

1. She could see Tom eyeing the crowd for some sign of his wife.

2. She could see (that) Tom was eyeing the crowd for some sign of his wife.

What's the difference in meaning between these sentences?

Teo

Joined on Tue, Sep 28 2004

Taiwan

Contributing Member (1,607)

Thank you very much for your reply.

Philip

#313747 Thu, 11 Jan 07 03:53 AM

Teo wrote:

1. She could see Tom eyeing the crowd for some sign of his wife.

2. She could see (that) Tom was eyeing the crowd for some sign of his wife.

What's the difference in meaning between these sentences?

Not much difference. 'She' better be careful. Smile [:)]

Philip

Joined on Thu, Jun 23 2005

USA Pacific Northwest (Seattle)

Veteran Member (5,886)

At reise er at leve! - H. C. Andersen

Grammar Geek

#313748 Thu, 11 Jan 07 03:54 AM

Not much difference.

To my ear, the first one emphasizes Tom slightly more, and the second emphasizes his action (eyeing the crowd) slightly more.

Grammar Geek

Joined on Tue, Jan 10 2006

Pennsylvania, USA

Veteran Member (15,195)

Barbara, who answers in American English.

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