Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Tony 1963]

Hi,

1． It�s time to listen to the radio. --
Shall I say �Would you mind my turning on the radio?� or ��Would you mind me turning on the radio?� And why?

2． They did not observe her _______ in and go upstairs.
A. come; B. to come; C. coming
I don�t know which one is correct.

Thanks a lot.
Tony

[CP]

1. Say, �Would you mind my turning on the radio?� because "turning on" is a noun made out of a verb (a gerund). However, you will often hear people say "me" rather than "my" in such constructions.

2． "B. to come" would be the right answer, since the rest of the sentence uses "go" and doesn't allow you any choice about that. "to come and go" would therefore be parallel.

Otherwise, you would probably hear, "They did not see her coming in and going upstairs."
_________________
You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[Mary W. Ng]

[Tony 1963]

I wish to thank both of you!

Have a nice day!