1

He later admitted having seen the dish on the menu...

Would I break down the form of this as follows:
admitted (verb, past participle of admit) + having (verb to have + -ing) + seen (verb past participle of see) + the dish (article + object)?

I feel like I'm missing something here with needing to explain "having seen" as present perfect, and why one can or can't use "admitted to having seen".

Improve this question
2
  • 2
    Yes, but "admittted" is not a past participle but a preterite (simple past) form. The "to" is optional.
    – BillJ
    Commented Apr 25, 2022 at 18:06
  • You can admit something or admit to something. Basically, the same thing.
    – Lambie
    Commented Sep 22, 2022 at 20:14

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

Subject: he; Predicate: the rest of it.

later: adverb modifying admitted.

having seen the dish on the menu: gerund phrase which serves as the object of verb admitted. "To" doesn't matter. I can admit my error, or can admit to my error.

having seen is the verb of its gerund phrase.

the dish is its object.

on the menu is, IMJ, a modifier of having seen. It could modify the dish.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.