2025年10月22日 星期三

讓 ChatGPT 檢查,甚至優化我們所給的提示語

當我們給 ChatGPT 組織不良的提示語,又或含有不精準的字詞,雖然 ChatGPT 往往可以猜測到我們的意思,並回答給我們可接受,甚至是滿意的答案,但我們若想要提升英文能力,培養較高的寫作能力,我們可以讓 ChatGPT 檢查,甚至優化我們所給的提示語。例如:

Is "Create three sentences, using the word 'horizon', and align them with their Traditional Chinese translation." a sound sentence?

ChatGPT 說:

Yes — ✅ the sentence “Create three sentences, using the word ‘horizon’, and align them with their Traditional Chinese translation.” is grammatically sound, clear, and natural in standard English, especially in instructional or academic contexts.

Let’s analyze it precisely:

🔍 Structure Breakdown

  • Create three sentences → main clause (imperative command).

  • using the word ‘horizon’ → participial phrase functioning adverbially, explaining how to create the sentences.

  • and align them with their Traditional Chinese translation → coordinated imperative clause joined by and, giving a second instruction.

✅ Why it works

  • The commas around using the word 'horizon' are optional but acceptable — they simply add a pause for clarity.

  • The parallelism of Create … and align … is balanced and correct.

  • The phrase their Traditional Chinese translation correctly refers to each sentence’s corresponding translation.

✍️ Optional refinements

For smoother style, you could also write:

  1. “Create three sentences using the word ‘horizon’ and align each with its Traditional Chinese translation.”
    → slightly smoother and avoids double commas.

  2. “Write three sentences that use the word ‘horizon,’ then align each with its Traditional Chinese translation.”
    → more natural in conversational or teaching contexts.

All versions are grammatically correct. The first one (your original) is entirely fine for academic or instructional use.

於是我就給它這個確認過的提示語,如下:

Create three sentences, using the word 'horizon', and align them with their Traditional Chinese translation.
ChatGPT 說:
English SentenceTraditional Chinese Translation
1. The sun slowly disappeared below the horizon, painting the sky with shades of orange and pink.太陽緩緩消失在地平線下,把天空染成橘紅與粉紅的色彩。
2. New opportunities are always waiting beyond the horizon for those who dare to explore.對勇於探索的人而言,新的機會總在地平線的那一端等待著。
3. As technology advances, the horizon of human knowledge continues to expand.隨著科技進步,人類知識的視野不斷拓展。

附記:

請翻譯為美式英文:當我們給 ChatGPT 組織不良的提示語,又或含有不精準的字詞,雖然 ChatGPT 往往可以猜測到我們的意思,並回答給我們可接受,甚至是滿意的答案,但我們若想要提升英文能力,培養較高的寫作能力,我們可以讓 ChatGPT 檢查,甚至優化我們所給的提示語。
ChatGPT 說:

When we give ChatGPT poorly structured prompts or ones containing imprecise words, it can often infer what we mean and provide an acceptable—or even satisfying—response. However, if we want to improve our English proficiency and develop stronger writing skills, we can ask ChatGPT to review, and even refine, the prompts we provide.

2025年10月21日 星期二

教師留言給佳恩的作業指派-10月21日

   2025/10/21(二) 17:15-20:45

  1. 今日教學進度:
    1. 教師和佳恩設定全民英檢中級測驗日期:2026年3月聽讀,2026年9月說寫。
    2. 教師指導佳恩使用 Kendra Language School 練習聽力和口說。
    3. 教師指導佳恩AI雙語從精讀到寫作。選取《完美英語之心靈盛宴》第108 頁 Book1 Part3 Unit1 有朋友真幸福 的 Make new friends 為例,透過 ChatGPT 生成 1) 換句話說:用不同的說法闡明原短句之涵意,提昇用英文解釋英文的能力。2) 造長句:使用不同的結構來造長句,提升應用短句的能力。3) 語用分析:從某句話推論說話者的意圖和隱含的意思。

  2. 作業指派:
    1. 請佳恩自修聽力和口說練習 Kendra Language School
    2. 請佳恩複習《完美英語之心靈盛宴》 第108 頁 Book1 Part3 Unit1 有朋友真幸福的 Make new friends
    3. 請佳恩完成 Make new friends 語用分析的英中逐句對照。
    4. 請佳恩自修《完美英語之心靈盛宴》Book4 Part2 Unit 9 耐心等待 (第592頁)。請用 ChatGPT 把下列短句,「換句話說」、「造長句」、和「語用分析」,並朗讀英文句子,及分析句子的結構來提昇用英文解釋英文的能力,和提升應用短句的能力
  3. 下次課程計畫: 
    1. 下次課程日期預計:2025/10/27(一)。 
    2. 檢閱上次作業派執行狀況。
    3. 教師指導佳恩從雙語精讀到寫作。選取《完美英語之心靈盛宴》Book4 Part1 Unit7 立大目標的若干祈使短句為例,透過 ChatGPT 生成 1) 換句話說:用不同的說法闡明原短句之涵意,提昇用英文解釋英文的能力。2) 造長句:使用不同的結構來造長句,提升應用短句的能力。3) 語用分析:從某句話推論說話者的意圖和隱含的意思。 
  4. 備用教材:《Heart of  the Matter》Part 1 - Chapter 1 第 4-9 段。
    1. 教師用本《Heart of the Matter》Part 1 - Chapter 1
    2. 佳恩用本《Heart of the Matter》Part 1 - Chapter 1

What is the difference between "tell" and "tell of?"

 What is the difference between "tell" and "tell of?"

ChatGPT 說:

Good question — “tell” and “tell of” differ mainly in focus and formality:


🟢 1. “tell” = to say or inform directly

It focuses on communicating information clearly or directly.

Form:
tell + someone + something

Examples:

  • He told me the truth.(他告訴我實情。)

  • Please tell her to come in.(請告訴她進來。)

  • Don’t tell lies.(不要說謊。)

👉 Here, tell means “to communicate facts or instructions.”


🟣 2. “tell of” = to speak about / to describe / to recount

It focuses on describing or giving an account of something, often used in more formal, literary, or biblical contexts.

Form:
tell of + noun / event / experience

Examples:

  • The scriptures tell of Jesus Christ’s resurrection.(經文講述了耶穌基督的復活。)

  • She told of her childhood in the countryside.(她述說了自己在鄉下的童年。)

  • The painting tells of great suffering.(這幅畫訴說著巨大的苦難。)

👉 Here, tell of means “to describe,” “to bear witness to,” or “to reveal through words or symbols.”


⚖️ Comparison Summary

ExpressionMeaningTypical UseToneExample
tellto say, inform, commandeveryday, direct speechneutralHe told me to wait.
tell ofto describe, narrate, testifyformal, story-like, biblicalelevatedThe Book of Mormon tells of ancient prophets.

What is the difference between "know" and "know of?"

What is the difference between "know" and "know of?"
ChatGPT 說:

Excellent question — there’s a clear but subtle difference between “know” and “know of.”


🔹 1. “Know” = direct familiarity or personal experience

You use “know” when you are personally acquainted with someone or have real knowledge or understanding of something.

Examples:

  • ✅ I know John. → I’ve met him; we’re personally acquainted.

  • ✅ I know the answer. → I’m sure; I’ve learned or understood it.

  • ✅ I know how to fix this problem. → I have the skill or experience.

🟢 Meaning: direct, certain, experiential knowledge.
🟠 Chinese translation: 「認識」、「知道」、「熟悉」。


🔹 2. “Know of” = indirect awareness or limited familiarity

You use “know of” when you’ve heard about someone or something but don’t know much about them personally or in detail.

Examples:

  • ✅ I know of John. → I’ve heard his name, but I don’t personally know him.

  • ✅ I know of a place where you can buy old books. → I’ve heard about it, but I haven’t been there.

  • ✅ Do you know of any good restaurants nearby? → Have you heard of or are you aware of any?

🟢 Meaning: awareness without deep familiarity.
🟠 Chinese translation: 「聽說過」、「知道有這個人/東西,但不熟悉」。


🔹 3. Comparison Summary

ExpressionMeaningExample中文解釋
knowdirect knowledge or acquaintanceI know Mary well.我認識瑪麗。
know ofindirect awareness or hearsayI know of Mary, but I’ve never met her.我聽說過瑪麗,但沒見過她。

Would you like me to show how this difference appears in scripture or literary English (e.g., “I never knew you” vs “I know of you”)?

你說:
Yes, please.
ChatGPT 說:

Wonderful — this is an insightful way to explore semantic nuance. Let’s look at how “know” and “know of” differ when used in scripture or literary English, especially in expressions like “I never knew you.”


🌿 1. “I never knew you” — Matthew 7:23

“And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
Matthew 7:23, KJV

🔸 Meaning of “knew” here:

In this verse, “knew” means deep, covenantal, personal relationship, not just awareness of existence.
Christ obviously knows of everyone’s existence — He is omniscient — but He is saying:

“I never had a true relationship with you.”

So “know” here conveys intimate recognition, spiritual connection, or approval — not mere information.

🟢 Modern paraphrase:

“You called on My name, but you never truly followed Me — I never had a relationship with you.”

🟠 Chinese translation:

「我從未真正認識你們。」(意指沒有屬靈的關係,而非祂不知道他們是誰。)


🌿 2. “I know of him” — limited or hearsay awareness

In contrast, saying:

“I know of Jesus.”

means “I’ve heard of Jesus,” but not “I’ve come to know Him personally.”

This is the kind of knowledge that stays at the intellectual or cultural level — not spiritual or experiential.

🟢 Example (modern sense):

“Many people know of Christ, but few truly know Him.”

🟠 Chinese translation:

「許多人聽過基督,但真正認識祂的人很少。」


🌿 3. Summary Table

ExpressionType of knowledgeExampleMeaning in Scripture中文意涵
knowpersonal, experiential, covenantal“I never knew you.” (Matt. 7:23)Lack of real relationship with God真正的認識、屬靈關係
know ofindirect, hearsay, informational“I know of Jesus.”Awareness without conversion聽說過、知道有其人但未深入認識

🌿 4. Reflection

In gospel terms:

To “know of” Christ is to hear His name.
To “know” Christ is to follow Him and feel His Spirit.

That’s why prophets often invite us not just to know of the Savior but to come to know Him — through faith, obedience, and the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

2025年10月20日 星期一

教師留言給晉維的作業指派-10月20日

  2025/10/20(一) 20:00-21:05

  1. 今日教學進度:
    1. 教師檢視晉維執行作業指派,狀況良好。
    2. 教師指導晉維AI雙語從精讀到寫作。選取《完美英語之心靈盛宴》第480 頁 Book3 Part3 Unit 9 勿低估自己 的 Expand your horizons 為例,透過 ChatGPT 生成 1) 換句話說:用不同的說法闡明原短句之涵意,提昇用英文解釋英文的能力。2) 造長句:使用不同的結構來造長句,提升應用短句的能力。3) 語用分析:從某句話推論說話者的意圖和隱含的意思。

  2. 作業指派:
    1. 請晉維自修聽力練習Academic English: Linking Words》。
    2. 請晉維複習《完美英語之心靈盛宴》 Book3 Part3 Unit 9 勿低估自己 (第480頁)。
    3. 請晉維自修《完美英語之心靈盛宴》Book4 Part2 Unit 9 耐心等待 (第592頁)。請用 ChatGPT 把下列短句,「換句話說」、「造長句」、和「語用分析」,並朗讀英文句子,及分析句子的結構來提昇用英文解釋英文的能力,和提升應用短句的能力
    4. 請晉維自修《弦元佑文法解題》 第23章關係子句減化。

  3. 下次課程計畫: 
    1. 下次課程日期預計:2025/10/27(一)。 
    2. 檢閱上次作業派執行狀況。
    3. 教師指導晉維從雙語精讀到寫作。選取《完美英語之心靈盛宴》Book1 Part3 Unit1 有朋友真幸福的若干祈使短句為例,透過 ChatGPT 生成 1) 換句話說:用不同的說法闡明原短句之涵意,提昇用英文解釋英文的能力。2) 造長句:使用不同的結構來造長句,提升應用短句的能力。3) 語用分析:從某句話推論說話者的意圖和隱含的意思。 
  4. 備用教材:《Heart of  the Matter》Part 1 - Chapter 1 第 4-9 段。
    1. 教師用本《Heart of the Matter》Part 1 - Chapter 1
    2. 晉維用本《Heart of the Matter》Part 1 - Chapter 1

2025年10月6日 星期一

教師留言給晉維的作業指派-10月6日

 2025/10/06(一) 20:15-21:05

  1. 今日教學進度:
    1. 教師檢視晉維執行作業指派,狀況良好。
    2. 教師指導晉維AI雙語從精讀到寫作。選取《完美英語之心靈盛宴》的若干祈使短句為例,透過 ChatGPT 生成 1) 換句話說:用不同的說法闡明原短句之涵意,提昇用英文解釋英文的能力。2) 造長句:使用不同的結構來造長句,提升應用短句的能力。3) 語用分析:從某句話推論說話者的意圖和隱含的意思,4) 使用情境舉例:在何種情況下,會用到這句話。 (詳情請看本貼文最後的附錄)

  2. 作業指派:
    1. 請晉維自修聽力練習Academic English: Vocabulary For Describing Data》。
    2. 請晉維複習《完美英語之心靈盛宴》 Book4 Part3 Unit 1 要有所改變 (第601頁)。
    3. 請晉維自修《完美英語之心靈盛宴》Book3 Part3 Unit 2 流芳百世 (第440頁)。請用 ChatGPT 把下列短句,「換句話說」和「造長句」,並朗讀英文句子,及分析句子的結構來提昇用英文解釋英文的能力和提升應用短句的能力
      • Make life worthwhile.  Leave your mark. Leave something behind. Leave no stone unturned. Leave no path unwalked. Leave no problem unsolved. Strike while the iron is hot. Make hay while the sun shines. Take a chance while you have it. (從 9 個短句中選出至少 3 句)
    4. 請晉維自修《弦元佑文法解題》 第22章減化子句。

  3. 下次課程計畫: 
    1. 下次課程日期預計:2025/10/20(一)。 (晉維因期中考10/13請假)
    2. 檢閱上次作業派執行狀況。
    3. 教師指導晉維從雙語精讀到寫作。選取《完美英語之心靈盛宴》的若干祈使短句為例,透過 ChatGPT 生成 1) 換句話說:用不同的說法闡明原短句之涵意,提昇用英文解釋英文的能力。2) 造長句:使用不同的結構來造長句,提升應用短句的能力。3) 語用分析:從某句話推論說話者的意圖和隱含的意思,4) 使用情境舉例:在何種情況下,會用到這句話。 
  4. 備用教材:《Heart of  the Matter》Part 1 - Chapter 1 第 4-9 段。
    1. 教師用本《Heart of the Matter》Part 1 - Chapter 1
    2. 晉維用本《Heart of the Matter》Part 1 - Chapter 1

附錄:

    1. 換句話說:Paraphrase the sentence in three different ways, then translate them into Traditional Chinese: Make a change
      1. Create a difference.
        創造一個不同。
      2. Do something differently.
        以不同的方式行動。
      3. Take steps to improve things.
        採取行動使事情變得更好。
    2.  造長句:Create three longer sentences in different structures, then translate them into Traditional Chinese:  Make a change.
      1. It’s never too late to make a change in your life.
        在人生中做出改變永遠不嫌晚。
      2. By making a change today, you can create a better future tomorrow.
        從今天開始改變,你就能創造更美好的明天。
      3. We all have the power to make a change that truly matters.
        我們每個人都有能力做出真正重要的改變。
    3. 語用分析:Analyze the sentence's pragmatics: It’s never too late to make a change in your life.
      1. 🔹1. Speech Act (言語行為)

        This sentence performs the illocutionary act of encouragement or reassurance.

        • The speaker isn’t merely stating a fact about time;

        • they are motivating the listener to take action or change something they’ve been hesitating about.

        💬 Function: Encouraging, comforting, and empowering.
        中文:這句話的語用功能是「鼓勵」與「安慰」,暗示「現在仍有機會行動」。


        🔹2. Implied Meaning (隱含意義 / Implicature)

        The sentence implies that:

        • The listener might think it’s already too late to change.

        • The speaker rejects that belief and suggests that change is still possible and worthwhile.

        💡 Implicature: “Don’t give up — you still can improve your life.”
        中文隱含意義:「不要放棄,現在改變還來得及。」


        🔹3. Context of Use (語境)

        Typically used in:

        • Motivational speechesself-help contextstherapy, or personal conversations.

        • The speaker may be a teacher, mentor, or friend addressing someone feeling regret, fear, or inertia.

        Example context:

        “I know you’ve made mistakes, but it’s never too late to make a change in your life.”

        中文語境:多用於勸勉或鼓舞人心的場合,例如對後悔、失意或想重來的人說。


        🔹4. Politeness and Tone (禮貌與語氣)

        • The tone is positiveempathetic, and uplifting.

        • It shows solidarity with the listener—acknowledging their struggle but offering hope.

        中文語氣:柔和而充滿希望,既不命令也不責備,而是溫柔地鼓舞對方。


        🔹5. Presupposition (前提假設)

        The statement presupposes that:

        • The listener’s life needs or could benefit from change.

        • The listener might believe that it’s already too late to act.

        中文前提假設:聽者覺得人生已錯過機會,但說話者認為仍有可能改變。


        ✅ Summary of Pragmatic Effect:

        The sentence functions as a gentle motivational statement that challenges hopelessness and promotes agency — encouraging the listener to take positive action despite age, past mistakes, or delay.

        中文總結:這句話在語用上是一種「溫和的激勵語」,旨在打破「為時已晚」的想法,激發人重新採取行動、改變生活。

    4. 使用情境舉例
      1. In what context will the speaker say so?
        ChatGPT 說:

        Excellent question. 🌱
        Let’s explore the possible contexts in which someone would say “It’s never too late to make a change in your life.”


        🔹1. Encouraging Someone Who Feels Hopeless

        Context:
        A friend or counselor is speaking to someone who regrets past mistakes or feels stuck.

        Example Dialogue:

        A: I’m already fifty. I can’t start a new career now.
        B: Don’t say that. It’s never too late to make a change in your life.

        💬 Purpose: To replace despair with hope.
        中文語境:用來安慰對未來失望、覺得太遲的人,傳達「永遠都有改變的機會」。


        🔹2. Motivational or Inspirational Speech

        Context:
        A life coach, teacher, or leader is addressing an audience about self-improvement.

        Example:

        “Many people think their time has passed. But remember—it’s never too late to make a change in your life. Take the first step today.”

        💬 Purpose: To inspire action and confidence.
        中文語境:在演講、課程、或宗教聚會中,用來激勵人們改變習慣或追求夢想。


        🔹3. Therapeutic or Counseling Setting

        Context:
        A therapist encourages a client who feels guilty about past choices.

        Example:

        “You can’t undo the past, but it’s never too late to make a change in your life and start healing.”

        💬 Purpose: To help the listener accept the past and focus on present possibilities.
        中文語境:心理諮商或輔導中,幫助對方放下過去、重新出發。


        🔹4. Religious or Spiritual Context

        Context:
        A preacher or missionary invites someone to repent or turn their heart to God.

        Example:

        “No matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done, it’s never too late to make a change in your life and come unto Christ.”

        💬 Purpose: To emphasize God’s mercy and the power of repentance.
        中文語境:教會聚會或傳道中,用來鼓勵人悔改、重新走正路。


        🔹5. Educational or Family Setting

        Context:
        A parent or teacher talks to a student who failed or lost motivation.

        Example:

        “You didn’t do well this semester, but it’s never too late to make a change in your life. You can still improve if you start now.”

        💬 Purpose: To motivate students to learn from failure.
        中文語境:父母或老師鼓勵學生從失敗中學習、重新努力。


        ✅ Summary

        The sentence fits any situation where someone feels it’s too late to improve or start over.
        The speaker’s intention is always to replace self-doubt with hope and encourage renewed effort.

        中文總結:
        這句話常出現在「對方認為已經太晚、無法改變」的情境中。說話者的目的,是喚起希望與行動力,讓人重新相信「隨時都可以開始」。

2025年10月2日 星期四

Think deeply

Is “Think deeply” a correct and commonly used English phrase?
ChatGPT 說:

Yes — “Think deeply” is a correct and natural phrase in English.

🔹 Meaning: It usually means to engage in serious, careful, or profound thought about something, not just a quick or superficial reflection.
🔹 Usage: It is commonly used in both everyday English and formal writing. For example:

  • Before making an important decision, you should think deeply about the consequences.

  • Philosophers encourage us to think deeply about the meaning of life.

It’s a bit more formal or reflective than simply saying “think hard.”
👉 “Think hard” emphasizes effort, while “think deeply” emphasizes seriousness and depth of consideration.

Would you like me to also compare “think deeply,” “think hard,” and “think carefully” to show their subtle differences?

你說:
Paraphrase this phrase in three different ways and translate them into Traditional Chinese.
ChatGPT 說:

Here are three paraphrases of “Think deeply” with Traditional Chinese translations:

  1. Reflect profoundly
    反思得更深刻

  2. Consider thoughtfully
    深思熟慮

  3. Ponder carefully
    仔細沈思

要不要我幫你比較這三個同義表達在語氣和用法上的細微差別?

你說:
ChatGPT 說:

好的 👍 這三個「Think deeply」的同義表達,雖然意思相近,但語氣和用法有細微的不同:


1. Reflect profoundly (反思得更深刻)

  • 語氣:比較正式、學術或哲學感強。

  • 用法:常用在談論人生、信仰、藝術或哲學時。

    • 例句:The speech invited the audience to reflect profoundly on their values.

    • (演講邀請聽眾 深刻反思 自己的價值觀。)


2. Consider thoughtfully (深思熟慮)

  • 語氣:帶有謹慎、周到的意味。

  • 用法:常用在需要權衡選擇或作決定時,比較偏重「小心考慮」。

    • 例句:Before you answer, please consider thoughtfully what the question implies.

    • (在回答前,請 仔細考慮 問題所隱含的意思。)


3. Ponder carefully (仔細沈思)

  • 語氣:帶有沉靜、內省的感覺,帶點文學色彩。

  • 用法:常用在宗教、文學、或內心掙扎的語境中,偏向「靜靜思索」。

    • 例句:She sat alone to ponder carefully the choices before her.

    • (她獨自坐著,仔細沈思 擺在眼前的抉擇。)


📌 總結:

  • Reflect profoundly → 偏向「深刻反省」(哲學/信仰/抽象議題)。

  • Consider thoughtfully → 偏向「謹慎考慮」(實際/決策情境)。

  • Ponder carefully → 偏向「靜靜沈思」(個人/內心/文學語境)。

要不要我再幫你整理成一個 英中對照表格,方便快速比較?

2025年9月30日 星期二

教師留言給尤佳恩英文課-9/30

    2025/09/30(一) 19:00-20:40

  1. 今日教學進度:
    1. 教師帶領佳恩訓練英文聽力:單字及單句聽寫
      1. 內容:Heart of the Matter-Part1-Chapter1-佳恩
      2. APP:1) FunFunSpell, 2) ChatGPT5, 3) GoogleDocs
      3. 進度:1) 從 Heart of the Matter-Part1-Chapter1 選取第 1 段之第 4 句, 2) 用FunFunSpell 篩選 A2 程度以上的單字,自製單字和單句的聽寫測驗題,3) 用自製聽寫測驗題實施測驗。
  2. 作業指派:
    1. 請佳恩複習 Heart of the Matter-Part1-Chapter1 第 1 段第 4 句之單字及單句聽力測驗
    2. 請佳恩自修 Heart of the Matter-Part1-Chapter1 第 2 至 3 段的每一個句子
    3. 請佳恩比照今日範例,用 Heart of the Matter-Part1-Chapter1 第 2 至 3 段的句子,製作單字及單句之聽力測驗題,並實施測驗
  3. 下次課程計畫:
    1. 2025/10/7(一) 19:00-20:30
    2. 教師檢查佳恩執行指派作業狀況。
    3. 教師指導佳恩精讀聽寫 Heart of the Matter-Part1-Chapter1 第 4-9 段。

see + bare infinitive vs see + present participle

 Is "Sometimes I see a gerund follow the phrase 'rather than.'" a well-structured sentence?

ChatGPT 說:

Yes — your sentence is well-structured and grammatically correct. Let’s break it down:


🔹 Sentence:

Sometimes I see a gerund follow the phrase “rather than.”


1. Structure

  • Sometimes → adverb of frequency, modifying the whole sentence.

  • I → subject.

  • see → main verb.

  • a gerund follow the phrase "rather than" → object (bare infinitive clause).

So the structure is:
[Adverb] + [Subject] + [Verb] + [Object clause].


2. Why "follow" (bare infinitive)?

In English, verbs like see, hear, watch, notice can take an object + bare infinitive (without to).

✔ I saw him leave.
✔ We heard the baby cry.
✔ Sometimes I see a gerund follow the phrase.

That’s why “follow” (not “follows”) is correct here.


3. Alternative (with participle)

You could also say:

  • Sometimes I see a gerund following the phrase “rather than.”
    This emphasizes the ongoing action of the gerund being placed there.

Both are correct, but:

  • follow → simple factual observation (neutral).

  • following → descriptive, gives a little sense of process.


✅ Conclusion: Your original sentence is correct and well-structured.
Would you like me to show you a side-by-side comparison of sentences with bare infinitive vs. -ing form after “see,” so you can sense the nuance more clearly?

你說:
Yes, please.
ChatGPT 說:

Perfect 👍 Let’s compare them side by side. Both structures are correct, but they carry slightly different nuances.


1. Bare infinitive after “see”

👉 Structure: see + object + bare infinitive (V1)

  • I saw him leave the room.
    我看到他離開房間。(強調「整個動作的事實」——我看見他離開了,事情發生了)

  • Sometimes I see a gerund follow the phrase “rather than.”
    有時候我看到動名詞跟在「rather than」這個片語之後。(強調「這種情況存在」的事實)

→ 用法: 表示「看見整個動作/事實」,偏重結果。


2. -ing form after “see”

👉 Structure: see + object + -ing

  • I saw him leaving the room.
    我看到他正在離開房間。(強調「動作進行的樣子」——我看見他正走出去的過程)

  • Sometimes I see a gerund following the phrase “rather than.”
    有時候我看到動名詞正跟在「rather than」這個片語之後。(更像是「在句子裡出現時」的過程描寫)

→ 用法: 表示「看見動作進行中」,偏重過程。


🔑 總結

  • see + V1 = 我看到 事實/整個事件

  • see + V-ing = 我看到 進行中的樣子

"instead of" 和 "rather than" 的意思和用法比較

 Does "instead of" have the same meaning and usage as "rather than?"

ChatGPT 說:

Great question!
“Instead of” and “rather than” often overlap in meaning, but they are not always interchangeable. Let me break it down:


1. Meaning

  • Instead of = in place of, as a substitute for.
    → Focus is on replacement.
    Example: She drank water instead of soda.
    (She chose water as a substitute for soda.)

  • Rather than = preference, choice, or contrast.
    → Focus is on preference/contrast, not just replacement.
    Example: She drank water rather than soda.
    (She preferred water over soda.)


2. Usage in Grammar

  • Instead of is usually followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund.
    ✔ He stayed home instead of going to the party.
    ✘ He stayed home instead of he went to the party. (wrong)

  • Rather than can be followed by a verb, noun, clause, or adjective.
    ✔ He stayed home rather than go to the party.
    ✔ She decided to walk rather than take the bus.
    ✔ He is strict rather than kind.


3. Subtle Difference

  • If you want to emphasize replacement, use instead of.

  • If you want to emphasize preference or contrast, use rather than.

Example:

  • I’ll write an email instead of a letter. (replacement)

  • I’ll write an email rather than call you. (preference/contrast)


Shortcut rule:

  • If you’re swapping one thing for another → instead of.

  • If you’re showing a choice or preferencerather than.


Would you like me to make a bilingual comparison (中英文對照) of common sentences using both expressions, so you can see the nuance more clearly?

你說:
Sometimes I see a gerund follow the phrase "rather than."
ChatGPT 說:

Exactly 👍 — you’re right. A gerund (-ing form) can follow rather than.

That’s because rather than is flexible: it can introduce a noun, gerund, infinitive, adjective, or even a clause.
Let me show you:


✅ With a gerund

  • He enjoys reading rather than watching TV.
    (他喜歡閱讀,而不是看電視。)

  • She suggested walking rather than driving to work.
    (她建議走路,而不是開車去上班。)

Here, the -ing form is parallel with another -ing form, keeping the grammar balanced.


✅ With an infinitive

  • He decided to walk rather than (to) drive.
    (他決定走路,而不是開車。)
    (to before drive is optional here.)


✅ With a noun

  • I’ll have tea rather than coffee.
    (我要茶,而不是咖啡。)


✅ With an adjective

  • The book is informative rather than entertaining.
    (這本書是具知識性的,而不是娛樂性的。)


💡 Tip: If the main verb is in the gerund form, keep the parallel part with rather than also in gerund form. That’s why you sometimes see a gerund there.


Would you like me to also compare “instead of + gerund” and “rather than + gerund” with side-by-side examples (中英文對照)? That way you can see how the nuance changes.