More 'double subject' examples.

Question

Hi Everyone,I have found a few more examples over the last two weeks, but I keep forgetting to cut and paste. Well, this time I have remembered. Here is a classic example of what I've been talking about when it comes to doubling up on 'subjects' within a sentence.I've just found this sentence:Despite claims that its missile testing has been to advance its space program, it is widely believed that Kim is developing a nuclear arsenal.I think the 'it' would be fine if the clauses were reversed:It is widely believed that Kim is developing a nuclear arsenal despite claims that its missile testing has been to advance its space program.This is fine.However, in the first example, isn't 'it' the subject for the whole first clause? As I see it - a semi colon would fix the whole problem. Then you can use 'it' as a repeated subject.What do others think about this example?I personally find these types of structures irritating. They don't - flow.ThanksCC PS: I've just found another one from the same article:'In terms of any involvement beyond that it is difficult to say.'My take is that is should read:'In terms of any involvement beyond that  it is difficult to say.'Now it's arivware.

BillJ · Accepted Answer

Cup cakeI've just found this sentence: Despite claims that its missile testing has been to advance its space program, it is widely believed that Kim is developing a nuclear arsenal.

You can reverse the order of the main clause and the despite preposition phrase if you wish, but the grammar of the clause remains unchanged.

This is an example of an 'extraposition' construction within the main clause. Consider this pair:

[1] That Kim is developing a nuclear arsenal is widely believed". (basic version)

[2] It is widely believed that Kim is developing a nuclear arsenal. (version with extraposition)

In the basic version [1] , the subject is the underlined subordinate clause. But in the extraposed version [2] , the subject of the basic version is now located the end of the clause, and has been replaced by the dummy pronoun "it" as subject.

The extraposed subject is not some kind of subject, but an element outside the verb phrase that corresponds to the subject of the basic version.

If you think that the extraposed version sounds better, you are right it does - in fact it's far more common. The main reason is that subordinate clauses tend to be 'heavier' (longer and more complex) than noun phrases, and there is a general preference for placing heavy material at the end of the clause where it's easier to process.

More 'double subject' examples.

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions