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Languages and Linguistics

Lionel Mandrake

(4,076 posts)

2. It does look that way.

Reply to Scuba (Reply #1)

Sun Aug 10, 2014, 09:42 AM

Aug 2014

So the clause "it happen" is acting as a noun.

But what is the mood of "happen"? Is it infinitive, subjunctive, indicative, or ... ?

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Can anyone explain the syntax of "I saw it happen"? [View all] Lionel Mandrake Aug 2014 OP

Looks like "it happen" is the object of the verb "saw". Scuba Aug 2014 #1

It does look that way. Lionel Mandrake Aug 2014 #2

The mood could be sad, happy, disappointed - depends on what "it" was. Scuba Aug 2014 #3

Now that's funny. Lionel Mandrake Aug 2014 #4

Your explanation depends on your theory. Igel Aug 2014 #5

Thank you for the scholarly reply, but Lionel Mandrake Aug 2014 #6

I saw it happen Starboard Tack Aug 2014 #7

It's true that the subject or object of a sentence can be a clause, Lionel Mandrake Aug 2014 #8

This message was self-deleted by its author Starboard Tack Aug 2014 #9

The main verb is "saw" Starboard Tack Aug 2014 #10

I agree Lionel Mandrake Aug 2014 #11

Well, I come from the school of traditional grammar Starboard Tack Aug 2014 #12

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