1. I found him a thief. This is awkward. It sounds like #3
2. I found that he was a thief. If #1 were "If found him to be a thief" it would mean this.
3. I found a thief for him. This is such an improbable situation that it's hard to imagine when you'd need to find sentence that mean this.
Is sentence 1 same in meaning with 2 ? or 3?
Note the difference between "I found him a X" and "I found him to be a X."
It's different with adjectives: I found him quite charming = I found him to be quite charming.
1. I found him to be a thief. OK, but not very natural.
2. I thought him to be a thief. OK, but a very formal/dated construction.
Do the both 1 and 2 sound OK?
Then
3. I found him a thief. No.
4. I thought him a thief. Same comment as #2.
How about 3 and 4? They must be awkward to native speakers - ?
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