English grammar
Heard it, or sympathise? I gather that… · I can understand you -ing · I appreciate that… · I feel that…
Pass on news you have heard, show sympathy and accept someone's doubts with gather, understand, appreciate and feel.
From the scene I can understand you having doubts
In short
I gather passes on news; I can understand you -ing, sympathy. I appreciate that recognises a point; I feel that, a hunch.
Your turn
Which one goes with sympathy: someone + -ing?
Options: I appreciate that it's daunting · I can understand you having doubts · I gather they've offered you a job
Show answer
sympathy: someone + -ing → I can understand you having doubts
How it works
I gather (that) passes on news you have heard but not checked.
Good to know
I can understand + someone + -ing shows sympathy: I can understand you having doubts.
Good to know
I appreciate that shows you recognise someone's point or feelings, often before a but.
Good to know
I feel that gives a hunch, while I'm sorry to see you go expresses regret.
news you've heard I gather they've offered you a job
Tomás
I've heard something. I gather they've offered you a job at the publisher's?
Me han contado algo. ¿Entiendo que te han ofrecido un puesto en la editorial?
Your turn
What fills the gap?
I've heard something. (blank) at the publisher's?
Options: I gather they've offered you a job · I can understand you having doubts · I appreciate that it's daunting
Show answer
Tomás
I've heard something. I gather they've offered you a job at the publisher's?
Me han contado algo. ¿Entiendo que te han ofrecido un puesto en la editorial?
sympathy: someone + -ing I can understand you having doubts
Your turn
What goes with I can understand you having doubts?
Options: news you've heard · recognising a feeling · sympathy: someone + -ing
Show answer
I can understand you having doubts → sympathy: someone + -ing
recognising a feeling I appreciate that it's daunting
Elena
It's only natural. I appreciate that it's daunting: it's a big leap.
Es lógico. Comprendo que te dé vértigo: es un gran salto.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
It's only natural. (blank): it's a big leap.
Options: I gather they've offered you a job · I can understand you having doubts · I appreciate that it's daunting
Show answer
Elena
It's only natural. I appreciate that it's daunting: it's a big leap.
Es lógico. Comprendo que te dé vértigo: es un gran salto.
a hunch I feel that this time it's different
Tomás
But I feel that this time it's different. This is your thing.
Pero siento que esta vez es diferente. Esto es lo tuyo.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
But (blank). This is your thing.
Options: I feel that this time it's different · I gather they've offered you a job · I can understand you having doubts
Show answer
Tomás
But I feel that this time it's different. This is your thing.
Pero siento que esta vez es diferente. Esto es lo tuyo.
regret I'm already sorry to see you go
Tomás
Well, I'm already sorry to see you go. Who'll draw my menu board?
Pues yo ya siento mucho que te vayas. ¿Quién me dibujará la pizarra?
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Well, (blank). Who'll draw my menu board?
Options: I can understand you having doubts · I'm already sorry to see you go · I gather they've offered you a job
Show answer
Tomás
Well, I'm already sorry to see you go. Who'll draw my menu board?
Pues yo ya siento mucho que te vayas. ¿Quién me dibujará la pizarra?
Common mistake
Not gathering or am gathering here. Tomás is passing on news he has heard.
I've heard something. I gather they've offered you a job at the publisher's?
Me han contado algo. ¿Entiendo que te han ofrecido un puesto en la editorial?
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| news you've heard | I gather they've offered you a job |
|---|---|
| sympathy: someone + -ing | I can understand you having doubts |
| recognising a feeling | I appreciate that it's daunting |
| a hunch | I feel that this time it's different |
| regret | I'm already sorry to see you go |
More lines from the story
- ElenaNo need, dear. It shows: we can all tell you're going to say yes.No hace falta, cariño. Se te nota: todos sentimos que vas a decir que sí.
- NuriaJunior editor, children's books. But I'm not sure I'll make the move.Editora júnior de infantil. Pero no sé si dar el paso.