Representing thinking, perceiving, liking and desiring

Using verb patterns to represent thoughts and beliefs

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Verb followed by an object and the -ing form

The verbs in this category can be followed by an object, and the -ing form which represents the action which is envisaged, missed, imagined, recalled, etc. Note that this pattern is used typically when contemplating the past:

One of the barmen recalls him settling his bill. (SCMP 20/5/94)

The following verbs can be followed by an object and the -ing form:

envisage  miss  recall  remember  imagine picture recollect

Introduction
Participants associated with thinking verbs
Grammatical patterns associated with thoughts
Verb followed by a that clause
Verb followed by a noun group
Verb followed by a wh-clause
Verb followed by an if/whether clause
Verb followed by the -ing form
Verb followed by an object and the -ing form
Verb followed by the to-infinitive
Verb followed by an object and the to-infinitive
Verb followed by the actual words thought
Ellipsis and substitution with thinking verbs
Present simple v present continuous tense
A note on the order of participants