Question 1

Why do we use the infinitive cruzar here instead of the gerund cruzando?

Accepted Answer

In Spanish, perception verbs like ver, escuchar, and sentir can be followed by either an infinitive or a gerund. We use the infinitive (cruzar) to express that we saw the entire completed action from start to finish, or to state it as a simple fact. If we used the gerund (cruzando), it would mean we saw it while it was in the middle of crossing. Because the English translation says cross and not crossing, the infinitive is the perfect match here.

Question 2

Could I put the infinitive right after the verb, like Vemos cruzar el péndulo gigante?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely! With perception verbs, the object performing the action (el péndulo gigante) can go either before or after the infinitive. Both Vemos el péndulo gigante cruzar el cielo and Vemos cruzar el péndulo gigante el cielo are perfectly natural. The word order in this sentence just happens to map perfectly to English.

Question 3

Why isn't there a personal a before el péndulo gigante? Isn't it the direct object of vemos?

Accepted Answer

It is the direct object of vemos, but the personal a is only required when the direct object is a specific person or a beloved pet. Since a pendulum is an inanimate object, we don't use the personal a here.

Question 4

Can I say Vemos que el péndulo gigante cruza el cielo instead?

Accepted Answer

You can. Using que followed by a conjugated verb is another grammatically correct way to describe what you see. However, using the infinitive directly is often preferred for immediate, physical perception because it sounds more direct and concise.

Vemos el péndulo gigante cruzar el cielo.

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