Verbs of perception

Look, Feel, Sound, Seem

Verbs of Perception

1

Peter Mangiaracina

Constructions

• Verb of Perception (VP) + adjective

• VP + like + noun

• VP + like (as if) + clause

Peter Mangiaracina

2

Look, Sound, Feel, Seem

VP + Adjective

• He looks good in black.

• You'd better not bother him. He seems busy.

• Rap music sounds bad.

• Do you always feel tired in the morning?

Peter Mangiaracina

3

VP + like + noun

• Kathy looks like a nice person.

• Arthur seems like a hard worker.

• It's very noisy. It sounds like a party next door.

• Do you feel like an idiot when you speak English?

Peter Mangiaracina

4

VP + like (as if) + clause

• It looks as if it is going to rain.

• It seems like Tom has no idea what he's talking about.

• It sounds as if the president has a cold.

• I feel like I'm losing my mind.

Peter Mangiaracina

5

More Constructions

• Seem or Feel + (that) + Clause

• Seem + Infinitive

• Feel like + Gerund

6

Seem, Feel

Peter Mangiaracina

Seem/ Feel + (that) + Clause

• It seems (that) Bob will not be here today.

• I feel (that) the economy will not get better until Spain abandons austerity measures and provides economic incentives for the middle class.

7

Peter Mangiaracina

Seem + Infinitive

• Peter seems to respect his students.

• Does it seem to be very hot in here?

8

Peter Mangiaracina

Feel + Gerund

• I feel like throwing some steaks on the barbecue and opening a few beers.

• Do you feel like going to the movies tonight?

9

Peter Mangiaracina