A few hard questions

Question

I don't know where I am going today.I don't know=independent clauseI=subjectdo=verbnot=negationknow=verbwhere I am going today=noun clausewhere=complementizerI=subjectam=auxillary verbgoing-main verbtoday=noun/objectQUESTION 1: This is a noun clause, correct? It is not an adjective clause because where cannot be replaced by which...QUESTION 2: Also, the main verb is always the verb furthest to the right in a verb chain, even if it has no tense, correct? (the verb to the left carries the tense).QUESTION 3: Also, according to wikipedia, a noun clause and a complement clause is synonymous; however, according to the sites on complement clauses, they do not say that WHERE is a complementizer...Any help?--Stephen knew who phil gave the rod to.QUESTION 4: This is a noun clause, correct? But once again, I don't think it can be a complement clause as I don't think 'who' is a complementizer.--Lee said what he thought.QUESTION 5:This is a noun phrase this time as there is no subject, correct?------Thanks.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

I don't know where I am going today.

I don't know=independent clause

I=subject
do=verb (auxiliary verb)
not=negation (adverb of negation)
know=verb

where I am going today=noun clause (indirect question)
where=complementizer
I=subject
am=auxillary verb
going-main verb
today=~~noun/object~~ adverb of time

QUESTION 1: This is a noun clause, correct? I assume you mean by "this": where I am going today. You can look at it that way, yes. It is not an adjective clause because where cannot be replaced by which... But you could replace where with the place which if you wanted to analyze where as a fused relative. Nevertheless, calling where I am going today an indirect question is probably the easiest way of explaining the grammar here.
QUESTION 2: Also, the main verb is always the verb furthest to the right in a verb chain, even if it has no tense, correct? (the verb to the left carries the tense). Yes, if you define chain so that only auxiliary verbs or modal verbs precede the main verb. For example, your rule won't work for This will help reduce pollution. Here help is the main verb. help would not be considered an auxiliary verb in support of the verb reduce.
QUESTION 3: Also, according to wikipedia, a noun clause and a complement clause is synonymous; however, according to the sites on complement clauses, they do not say that WHERE is a complementizer...Any help? There are many systems for analyzing grammar. There is no standard. Different sources use different terminology, and different experts disagree with one another. Some grammarians call where a complementizer; others don't. The main point is that interrogative words like where, who, when, etc. can begin a clause which may also be called an indirect question. Where am I going today? becomes the noun phrase/clause where I am going today.

--

Stephen knew who phil gave the rod to.

QUESTION 4: This is a noun clause, correct? No, it's a complete sentence.

But once again, I don't think it can be a complement clause as I don't think 'who' is a complementizer. This is again an indirect question. Who did Phil give the rod to? >>> who Phil gave the rod to. A complete direct question (independent clause) can be modified to create a noun substitute (noun phrase / noun clause). You don't have to think of who as a complementizer if you don't want to!

--

Lee said what he thought.

QUESTION 5:This is a noun phrase this time as there is no subject, correct? Again, this is a complete sentence, not a noun phrase nor a noun clause. Not only is it wrong to say there is no subject, but it is doubly wrong, because there are two subjects! Lee and he.
Lee: noun -- proper noun -- noun phrase -- subject
said: verb -- finite verb -- past tense

what he thought: fused relative structure -- clause -- finite clause -- noun phrase (noun clause) -- direct object of said.
Analysis of what he thought.
what: fused relative pronoun (that which) -- direct object of thought.

he: pronoun -- noun phrase -- subject
thought: verb -- finite verb -- past tense

CJ

Eddie88 · Answer

Sorry, CJ,

I was meaning that these parts of the two sentences were noun phrases/clauses- for some reason they didn't underline the parts of the sentence...

Lee said what he thought

Stephen knew who Phil gave the Rod to.

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And based on your, once again, great analysis, it proves I was correct, thanks.

So you have now helped me realise that experts even have differing terminology, but next, I would like to know what you think the difference is between a noun clause and a complement clause.

I have my own vague idea on the subject, but I'm sure you can enlighten me and give me your perspective.

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Thanks.

CalifJim · Answer

Eddie88I would like to know what you think the difference is between a noun clause and a complement clause.

I would say that a that clause which acts as a direct object of a verb can be called a complement clause. It gets that name because a direct object is considered "a complement" (i.e., "a completer") of a verb. It is also a clause that is used in the main clause where a noun would be used, so it is also a noun clause at the same time. So the underlined clauses below I would call both complement clauses and noun clauses.
I know that he was drunk.
I think that they bought a new car.
I forgot that my appointment was scheduled for Thursday.
On the other hand, if these are used as subjects within the structure of the main clause, they are no longer complements of any verb, but they are still noun clauses, so I would call those below noun clauses, but not complement clauses.
That we were late was unavoidable.
That the students understood the readings impressed the teacher.
That Helen had dared to make such a rude remark caused quite a stir among the other employees.
And I would also call those clauses with dummy it noun clauses, but not complement clauses. They too are really subjects.

It is probable that Mary will be late.
CJ

Eddie88 · Answer

Cool, thanks,

I have read sites in which they say the following:

Direct quote:

A complement clause is a grammatical clause is used to finish out, or complement, a

sentence, in that the clause itself functions as a subject or object of a sentence
Notice the grammatical error in the quote above; I wonder if this should lessen one's trust in their theories.

However, what you suggest sounds not only plausible but logical, too.

I think this merely highlights that it is arbitrary.

Thanks!

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