• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Home of English Grammar
  • Home
  • Course
  • Exercises
  • Grammar Rules
  • Matches
  • Posts
  • Tools
    • Grammar Checker
    • Very Replacer
    • Word Counter
  • Vocabulary Lists
  • Archives
    • Social Media Posts
    • Writing Guides
  • Join free

Verbs of perception

February 7, 2012 pdf

Hear, see, watch, notice and similar verbs of perception can be followed by object + infinitive without to or object + -ing form.

There is usually a difference of meaning between the two structures.

The infinitive is used after these verbs when we want to say that we hear or see the whole of an action or event. The –ing form is used to suggest that we hear an action or event in progress.

Compare:

I heard her sing a lovely song. (As I sat listening, she started singing a song and I listened to her until she finished it.)

I heard her singing a song as I walked past her room. (When I heard her she was singing a song – she was probably in the middle of her singing. Anyway, I didn’t hear the entire song.)

The –ing form can suggest repetition.

I saw him throwing stones at the dogs. (= He kept throwing stones.)

After these verbs possessive forms cannot be used with an –ing form.

I saw Peter getting out of the train. (NOT I saw Peter’s getting out of the train.)

Object + past participle

The verbs see, hear, watch, notice etc., can also be followed by an object + past participle.

In this structure, the past participle has a passive meaning.

I heard my name repeated several times. (= My name was repeated several times.)

Look at

Look at can be followed by object + -ing form. In American English, object + infinitive is also possible.

Look at him dancing!

Look at him dance! (US)

Primary Sidebar

2.4M761.4K165.8K

Free 2027 Grammar Guide

  • Download Grammar Guide (PDF)
  • Online grammar course, A1 to C2
  • Weekly exercises and vocabulary
  • Join over 3 million English learners

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.

Already have an account? Sign in

Grammar Checker - Try Now

Latest Posts

  • Icky vs. gross vs. nasty vs. disgusting vs. revolting vs. vile October 23, 2026
  • Comparatives Exercise October 23, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Proposition” October 23, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Stagnation” October 23, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Dumb” October 23, 2026
  • The origin and meaning of “off the cuff” October 23, 2026
  • 100 Phrases for Declining Requests at Work Politely October 23, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Plausible” October 23, 2026
  • Maybe, perhaps, possibly, conceivably, probably and definitely: How to choose October 23, 2026
  • Endemic vs. pandemic: what is the difference? October 23, 2026
Home of English Grammar

Free English grammar exercises, rules and vocabulary lists, with new exercises every week. Join the leading English grammar site with over 3 million followers.

Join free

Learn

  • Exercises
  • Matches
  • Grammar rules
  • Vocabulary lists
  • Writing guides
  • Online tools

More

  • Top social media posts
  • Various posts
  • Contact

Account

  • Join free
  • Grammar Course
  • Free grammar guide (PDF)

Copyright © 2026 EnglishGrammar.org

  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms
  • Sitemap