6.3.1.2 Complement Clauses (p.332-343)
6.3.1.2 Complement Clauses (p.332-343)
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In the previous lecture, we learned that there are three types of finite dependent clauses:
adjectival, modifying nouns, often known as relative clauses,
nominal, filling in the slots typically occupied by nouns (subject, object, and complement)
adverbial, modifying verbs (specifying time, place, or manner) or a sentence (expressing stance)
We now know that relative clauses can be restrictive or non-restrictive. Either way, they specify a antecedent noun or pronoun. Almost all nouns can be expanded with the addition of a relative clause.
A nominal clause is a finite dependent clause that occupies a slot in a sentence that is typically filled in by a noun (or a noun phrase), that is, subject (1a), object (1b), and subject complement (1c) positions.
1a) {That his license was revoked} shocked me.
1b) People forget {that even grammarians get the blues}.
1c) Her belief is {that most reported UFO sightings are genuine}.
In 1b), the 'that clause' functions as the DO of the verb 'forget', thus it is also called a verb complement clause (VCC).
In 1c), the 'that clause' functions as a subject complement; therefore, it is also known as a noun complement clause (NCC).
1d) It is unfortunate {that he lost touch with his family in the war}.
In 1d), the 'that clause' completes the meaning of the antecedent adjective 'unfortunate'. It is thus called an adjective complement clause (ACC).
The three types of complement clauses are explained in detail below:
- Three Types of Complement Clauses:
A. Verb Complement Clauses (VCC)
You know {that I don't want to read that book}.
I like {how he explains difficult concepts in simple words}.
Do you know {where she lives}?
She didn't ask {what my plan was}.
The subordinating conjunction that introduces a complement clause is known as a complementizer.
B. Noun Complement Clauses (NCC) present the content of an antecedent. Thus, they are also referred to as appositives.
The reason {why he didn't show up} is a mystery.
Jeniffer disputed the argument {that no one felt the tremor yesterday}.
Did you hear his comment {that there would be no need to pay the fine}?
Only a few nouns can have complement clauses:
fact, idea, notion, rumor, comment, news, statement, ...
C. Adjective Complement Clauses (ACC)
I'm astonished {that no one felt the tremor yesterday}.
It is imperative {that everyone should leave the building immediately}.
2. A summary of the function of 'that clauses':
2. A summary of the function of 'that clauses':
Nominal "that clauses" can have different functions depending on their grammatical positions they occupy in a sentence.
that clause: Subj.
{That his license was revoked} shocked me.
2. that clause: DO
People forget {that even grammarians get the blues}.
3. that clause: SC
Her belief is {that most reported UFO sightings are genuine}.
4. that clause: PNM (Relative Clause)
The oranges {that we bought today} are sweet.
He assigned a book {that I don't want to read}.
(*the relativizer 'that' can be omitted).
3. 'that' relative clause v.s. a 'that' NCC ?
3. 'that' relative clause v.s. a 'that' NCC ?
Which 'that' is a relativizer and which is a complementizer?
a) You know {that I don't what to read that book}.
b) The oranges {that we bought today} are sour.
PRACTICE:
PRACTICE:
1.Find the complement clauses in the sentences below and identify which type of complement clauses they are.
"You may call me Bob. From now on, I am Bob. I can assure you that Bob is quite proficient at electronic data manipulation. Without question one of the world's finest."
(Ted Dekker, Heaven's Wager. WestBow Press, 2000)"Imagine that Frank is a fan of his town's soccer club. He always wears the same shirt when he watches his club play. He believes that they will win if he puts on the shirt at just the right time before the game starts."
(Joshua James Kassner, Rwanda and the Moral Obligation of Humanitarian Intervention. Edinburgh University Press, 2013)"She said (that) she was approaching 40, and I couldn't help wondering from what direction."
(Bob Hope)"The fact that the adult American Negro female emerges a formidable character is often met with amazement, distaste and even belligerence."
(Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, 1969)
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2. Textbook Review Ex. P. 357
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