I have an advanced student who has recently asked me about the differences between the following.
Do you think I´m shy? and
Do you think me shy?
as well as
Can you ask him to give me the book?
Can you ask that he give me the book?
I explained to her that there is no difference at all in the meaning of the phrases and that in each case the second phrase would be more formal and less common. However, she, as any good, inquisitive student, proceded to ask me if there is a term for changing of the words or grammatical structures used, and if the same rules apply to both.
I´m at a loss. What do I tell her? Is there a name for these examples that I could google for information or exercises to help? She is reallly fascinated with any grammar rules that allow her to say the same thing but in a much more intelligent way. I would love to help her with that.
Thanks in advance.
Do you think I´m shy? and
Do you think me shy?
as well as
Can you ask him to give me the book?
Can you ask that he give me the book?
I explained to her that there is no difference at all in the meaning of the phrases and that in each case the second phrase would be more formal and less common. However, she, as any good, inquisitive student, proceded to ask me if there is a term for changing of the words or grammatical structures used, and if the same rules apply to both.
I´m at a loss. What do I tell her? Is there a name for these examples that I could google for information or exercises to help? She is reallly fascinated with any grammar rules that allow her to say the same thing but in a much more intelligent way. I would love to help her with that.
Thanks in advance.