The English Language english language

Multi-Clause Sentences

Exercise

1. Make up five new sentences with finite subordinate clauses as ob-
   jects of prepositions.


2. For each of the sentences you constructed in Exercise (1) show that
   your embedded clause is in fact the object of its preposition. Use the
   tests described in the discussion.

Clauses that function as complements
Subordinate clauses also function as subject or object complements and as
complements within NPs.

Subject complements:
Linking verbs often allow their subject complements to be expressed as clauses:

(23) a. The proposal is that we should teach language, not grammar.
b. The problem is that it is not my phone.
c. The claim is that analyses must be supported by arguments.

Exercise
Create five more sentences containing finite subject complement claus-
es. Think of ways to demonstrate that the italicized clauses in (23a,b,c)
really are subject complements.

Object complements:
Some verbs that take object complements allow those complements to be
expressed as clauses:

(24) a. She dyes her hair whatever color her car is.
b. They elected her whatever she wanted to be.

Exercise
Create five more sentences containing finite object complement claus-
es. Think of ways to demonstrate that the italicized clauses in (24a,b)
really are object complements.