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289
This construction comprises a noun in the common case or a pronoun in the objective case and participle I,
which is in subject-predicate relation to the nominal part. In comparison with the infinitive in this position
participle I shows more clearly the durative character of the action. The construction functions as a complex
object.
§ 127. The objective with participle I construction can be used with verbs of three semantic groups, although
with two of them it occurs very seldom. In all cases only non-perfect forms of participle I can be used. These
groups are as follows:
1. Verbs of sense perception (see, hear, feel).
There we saw the crocodiles swimming about.
Over his shoulder he could hear them snuffing.
I felt tears running down my chieks.
2. Verbs of wish. These verbs combine with the construction only occasionally.
Nobody wanted him going there alone.
3. The causative verbs to have and to get.
He got them running his errands every day.
We’ll have them trembling with fear.
The objective with participle II construction
§ 128. This construction shows that the action expressed by participle II is (or was) performed not by the
person denoted by the nominal part due to the passive meaning of participle II for most verbs. However after
the verbs to have, to get, to want participle II may denote an action performed at the request of the person
denoted by the nominal part.
The objective with participle II construction can be attached to verbs of four semantic groups.
1. Verbs of sense perception (to see, to hear, to feel, to watch):
We heard the door shut.
They watched him examined by the doctor.
I heard my name echoed in the distance.
2. A few verbs of mental activity (to think, to believe, to consider, to remember).
At first she thought Johnny killed.
3. Verbs of wish.
Nobody wanted it done in such a way.
4. The causative verbs to have and to get. With these verbs the construction means that the action of
participle II is done for the benefit of the person expressed by the nominal part of the construction.
How do you think the men would have their wounds dressed, get themselves washed, have their beds
made if nobody worked on a Sunday?
The objective with participle construction attached to the verbs of this group cannot be transformed into
object clauses because these verbs do not take object that- clauses.