Verbs of Perception

What Is It?

Verbs of Perception refers to verbs such as see, hear, feel, notice, and watch followed by object complements.

B1-B2 reference topic in Verb-Related Topics.

Why Use It?

Describe observed actions accurately.
Choose between complete and ongoing actions.
Use passive perception structures.

Formation and Patterns

Use	Pattern	Example
Complete action	`see/hear + object + base verb`	I heard her explain the rule.
Action in progress	`see/hear + object + V-ing`	I saw him writing notes.
Passive	`be seen/heard + to + V`	She was heard to answer.

Common Mistakes

Using to in active perception structures.
Confusing base verb with -ing meaning.
Forgetting to in passive forms.

Exceptions & Nuances

Feel can describe physical perception or opinion, and the following pattern changes with meaning.