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Which one has more correct way to put, and what are the differences found on those two sentences?

Mark
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2 Answers2

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Both are correct. There is a (rather insignificant, though) difference in meaning.

I watched her become a mother = I remember her from before pregnancy, and I can see how she's different now. (The emphasis is on the difference).

I watched her becoming a mother = I remember the process of her changing from day to day. (The emphasis is on the transformation process).

See: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/pl/grammar/british-grammar/hear-see-etc-object-infinitive-or-ing

Jules Cocovin
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I'd say the first phrase is more correct as 'becoming' is more appropriate in the present rather than the past, with 'watched' being past tense. It'd be better if the tense and wording of the second phrase was changed so it would say 'She is becoming a mother.' But that's just my opinion :)

charli
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  • Thanks charli. That’s originally what came across my mind as well. So would probably be correct to say ‘I watched her to become a mother’ rather than the original sentence that i wrote for question ‘I watched her become a mom’? – Mark Apr 28 '20 at 10:18
  • @Mark There is no construction of the verb "to watch" with "to" and "infinitive"; "to become" would not make a verbal unit with "watch" but would be the verb of the infinitive clause "to become a mother", and that clause would be an adverbial; notice that there is no adverbial in the sentence without "to". What you'd be saying in fact, if "to" were added would be quite different; it would be something like this: "I watched her so that I would learn how to become a mother.". – LPH Apr 28 '20 at 10:54