If-clause as a subject complement

Question

ex1) The question is whether the rumor is true (OK)ex2) The question is if the rumor is true (??)Most people say that the second example is ungrammaticalHowever, not often, the sentence like it is foundWhy is it impossible to use if-clause as a subject complement?

BillJ · Accepted Answer

They are right -- it is ungrammatical.

When the interrogative clause is complement to be, only "whether" is permitted.

I can't tell you exactly why "if" is ungrammatical, but suffice to say that it is.

Tkacka15 · Answer

Hoonyex1) The question is whether the rumor is true (OK)ex2) The question is if the rumor is true (??)

That's a very interesting question, indeed.

I wonder whether it has something to do with ambiguity of "if". Isn't it that "if the rumor is true" could be taken with some sort of suspension, as a part of the conditional structure, not followed by the main clause of that structure?

CalifJim · Answer

HoonyHowever, not often, the sentence like it is found.

Probably more often than you may think. Here are some examples found online where 'if' acts like 'whether'. It took me less than five minutes to find them.

What remains unknown is if the fields stretch into Lebanon's territorial waters.
Another thought to ponder is if this is a good deal for the Capitals or the NHL.
I think the question is if anybody above the age of 30 is watching MTV anymore.

HoonyMost people say that the second example is ungrammatical

They have a different "ear" for the English language than others, for example, the authors of those sentences above.

HoonyWhy is it impossible to use if-clause as a subject complement?

I don't agree that it is impossible.

CJ

* * *

I got bored this afternoon and continued looking for more examples.

The question is if he will terrify manager Clint Hurdle with his lack of control.
The question is if Cuban leaders have more reform plans to satisfy those demands.
State law dictates what type of convictions can result in the loss of retirement benefits. One of the factors is if criminal behavior occurs while on duty, Howerton said.
Every time I see my dad, the first thing he asks is if any guys are chasing me.
What you need to know is if the car has been maintained up to this point in time.
What will be interesting to see next is if China demands Google remove that link.
The only real question is if Democrats are in the mood to slit their own throats.
If that is the basis, then no, but if the basis is if they can speak, then yes.
What they really want to know is if they are likely to end up in there as well.
The main question I see is if there are enough sources to establish notability yet.
What I need to know is if he wishes to be considered for appointment on 1 January.
The question is if and when Google will use its own clout to promote these things.
The question hanging over the kingdom is if his successor will be a reformer, too.
The thing about Aaron that you don't know is if he can lead the team.
All you really want to know is if the White Sox can win this year.
The next big challenge is if it can fight the big publishers for market share.
What I dont know is if anyone else can implement it as well as Google can.
What isn't clear from your email is if you are seeing a therapist.
The main concern is if we need to build more power plants.
What I want to know is if the paper that Omerbachich wrote is correct.

An indirect question (if for whether) is not the only way an if-clause can be a complement of 'is':

The only way ice cream could be better is if it were a sin.

CJ

If-clause as a subject complement

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