Clause type

Question

a) I'm worrying that I won't be able to finnish my assignment in time.1) What is the clause type of the words in italics?b) I'm worrying about how I won't be able to finnish my assignment in time.2) How is the prepositional phrase functioning?3) Which is better out of a and b? Why?Thank you a lot.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Nice question.

(1) This is my opinion:

(a) Perhaps your first sentence should read:

I am worried (that I won't be able to finish my assignment on time).

(i) Noun clause modifying the adjective "worried."

(b) Your second sentence is fine (I would prefer "on" time in this sentence).

(i) Noun clause is functioning as the object of the preposition "about."

Thank you.

English 1b3 · Answer

Anonymous Noun clause modifying the adjective "worried."

THanks. A noun clause modifying an adjective? Can that be? Perhaps it is an adjective complement? Or an adverbial clause modifying 'worried'

Do you prefer a or b though?

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you for your note.

(1) First, I prefer (a) -- using the adjective "worried."

(2) Your question about a noun clause modifying an adjective is an excellent question.

(a) It may depend on your grammar book. Some books do, indeed, classify the clause as an adverbial clause.

(b) I prefer my book's explanation:

(i) I was worried that I would be late. (My sentence)

(i) that I will be late = noun clause because the "real sentence" is:

I was worried (about this fact) (that I would be late). = noun clause is an appositive of "fact."

(b) You are correct: some books say that it is easier to just call "that I would be late" a so-called adverbial clause.

(i) I guess it depends on which book you like or -- if you are in school -- on what your teacher says.

Thank you.

Clause type

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