noun clause

Question

I wonder if a noun cluase with' that' should be follwed by a  noun when the preceding verb is phrasal verb.  Is so, can I use ' whether or ' if' without inserting noun?I am concerned about  that there will be a food shortage. ( wrong or right?) I am concerend about the possibility that there will be a food shortage( wrong or right?)I am concerend about  if( or whether) there will be a food shortage( wrong or right?)

BillJ · Accepted Answer

sun 94 I wonder if a noun cluase with' that' should be follwed by a noun when the preceding verb is phrasal verb. Is so, can I use ' whether or ' if' without inserting noun?

I don't see 'concerned about' as a phrasal verb. In any case, the normal rules about what can complement a preposition apply.

sun 94I am concerned about that there will be a food shortage. ( wrong or right?)

Wrong - the preposition 'about' does not allow a 'that clause' as its complement, though you could say 'I am concerned about the fact that there will be a food shortage'.

sun 94I am concerend about the possibility that there will be a food shortage( wrong or right?)

Right. The noun 'possibilty' is the complement of 'about' and, in turn, 'possibilty' allows a 'that clause' as its complement.

sun 94I am concerend about if( or whether) there will be a food shortage( wrong or right?)

Right, though 'whether' is better than 'if'. The subordinate clause here is an interrogative complement clause. It means "I am concerned about the answer to the question 'will there be a food shortage?'"

BillJ

noun clause

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