What type of clause is this?

Question

Hi.I'm sure I read an essay.What type of clause is the underlined part and what's its function?

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

Persian LearnerI'm sure I read an essay.

= I'm sure [that] I read an essay.

It complements 'sure'.

Persian Learner · Answer

So, it is a noun clause acting as an adjective complement, right?

Mister Micawber · Answer

Nouns don't complement adjectives, but you'll have to wait for CJ's take.

Persian Learner · Answer

I am waiting for CJ'S take. I hope he will see this thread.

CalifJim · Answer

Persian LearnerSo, it is a noun clause acting as an adjective complement, right?

Correct, though you can say it's a complement of the verb phrase am sure. Nevertheless, I believe you have here a mix of two different systems of analysis.

"noun clause" is a term from traditional grammar, and as far as I know "complement" is a term only from "modern grammar".

The that-clause after sure (called a "content clause" in modern grammar) complements the adjective sure (or the verb phrase am sure if you'd prefer to say it that way).

The grammatical mechanism is the same whether you use "I know" or "I'm sure" or "She is guessing" or "I can't deny" or any of hundreds of main clause expressions of this type. The following content clause (that-clause) is a complement. (If your teacher wants you to call these clauses 'noun clauses', then you should continue to do that for the purposes of your English classes and exams.)

CJ

What type of clause is this?

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