need help with...

[b.a.d.]

Hi! Please tell me what's the difference between constructions like

I've seen them coming

and

I've seen them come

?

[engee30]

Originally Posted by b.a.d.

hi! Please tell me what's the difference between constructions like

i've seen them coming (i was in the middle of the process of their coming; i may not know where they finally got)

and

i've seen them come (i witnessed the whole process of their coming; i know where they got)

?

:-d

[b.a.d.]

Wow! Thanks )))

[engee30]

Originally Posted by b.a.d.

Wow! Thanks )))

You're welcome.

[pyoung]

Here's another possiblity:

I've seen them coming:

I live in a mountain community where many residents only come for the summer holidays. I've seen them coming (and going) for many years.

and/or:

I live in a mountain community where many residents only come for the summer holidays. I've seen them come (and go) for many years.

In both cases, the speaker is describing his/her experience of a seasonally repeated action. There is no significant difference between the two statements.

I hope this is helpful,

Petra

[b.a.d.]

thank you )))