That

Question

It is true that many of you will now have to begin in earnest and learn a specialty that will fit you for the particular position that you choose, whereas ten years ago you could perhaps have walked into a job.About 'whereas above, is it within the scope of the that-clause after 'It is true', or is it outside of it?

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

It can be read either way without a change in meaning.  The comma could as easily be there for clarity as for structure.

Taka · Answer

Mister MicawberThe comma could as easily be there for clarity as for structure.

You mean, with that comma you interpret the whereas-clause rather outside the scope of it?

Mister Micawber · Answer

No.  'As...as' is a comparative of equality.

BillJ · Answer

TakaIt is true that many of you will now have to begin in earnest and learn a specialty that will fit you for the particular position that you choose, whereas ten years ago you could perhaps have walked into a job.About 'whereas above, is it within the scope of the that-clause after 'It is true', or is it outside of it?

It is true that many of you will now have to begin in earnest and learn a specialty that will fit you for the particular position that you choose, whereas ten years ago you could perhaps have walked into a job.

I'd say that it's outside - it's contrastive. The that clause is complement of "true", but the underlined expression introduced by "whereas" is a supplementary adjunct (adverbial) that expresses contrast to the main clause (which includes the embedded that clause). Notice how it's 'bolted on' at the end of the main clause and separated from it by a comma, rather like an appendage. In grammatical parlance, it's called an 'adjunct of concession'.

BillJ

That

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4 Answers

Mister Micawber

Taka

Mister Micawber

BillJ