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Seminars 4&5: THAT COMPLEMENT CLAUSES, SOT, SUBJUNCTIVES

A. COMPLEMENT CLAUSES

A.1. Main Properties of That Complement Clauses
1.Discuss the main properties of the complementizer THAT. Draw tree representations for the
following sentences:
a. They believe that syntax is fun.
b. She knows that J ohn left.

2.Discuss the similarities and differences between thatcomplement clauses (CPs) and DPs starting
from the data below:
(1)
a. I believe that this is fun. b. I believe this/that/it.
b. I believe this story. B. I believe this/that/it.
(2)
a. I insisted that Mary should depart in the morning.
b. * I insisted on that Mary should depart in the morning.
(3)
a. I am happy [that you could make it.]
b. *I am happy about that you could make it.
c. I am happy about it.
d. *I am happy it.
(4)
a. I consider [ this statement to be a big mistake].
b. *I consider [ [ that Mary left] to be a big mistake].
c. I consider her to be wise.
(5)
a. That J ohn hates Mary could be true.
b. *Could that he hates her be true?
(6)
a. That she left early was a good idea.
b. *Was that she left early a good idea?

A.2. TheExtraposition Structure. HNPS & Clause Shift
1. Define Extraposition and discuss the motivation for extrapositions:
Subject
a. That Pauline moved to Kansas surprised me indeed.
b. It surprises me indeed [ that Pauline moved to Kansas ].
Direct object
a. The engineer wrongly figured out [ that the bridge would hold ].
b. The engineer wrongly figured it out [ that the bridge would hold ].
Prepositional object
a. Can you swear [ that the accused man was at your house all Friday evening? ].
b. Can you swear to it[ that the accused man was at your house all Friday evening? ].

2. Explain why the Extraposition from Subject position is much more frequent than the extraposition
of direct object that-clauses. Give examples.

3. On the English expletives
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3.1. Licensing subject expletives. Discuss the properties if subject it based on the examples below:
(1) a. It was widely believed that the world was flat.
b.*The hypothesis was widely believed that the world was flat.
(2) a. That he came was a blessing for them.
b. What was a blessing for them ?
c. It was a blessing for them that he came.
d.*Whatwas a blessing for them that he came?

3.2. Object Expletives. Comment on the interpretation of the pronominal it and the extraposed clause
in the following sentences. Account for the ungrammaticality of the starred examples:
1). I regret it every time I have dinner with J ohn. 2)I regretted it that he was late.3) They
confirmed it that you had passed the entrance exam. 4).They announced it that she had passed her
exams.5). Who would have supposed *it that things would turn out this way ? 6) He pretended *it that he
was the one. 7) I presume *it that you are Dr.Levingstone. 8). She hid it /*-that she was involved. 9) They
didn't mind it that a crowd was beginning to gather in the street. 10) I take it [that you are dissatisfied] vs.
*I take [that you are dissatisfied]

4. Heavy NP Shift and Clause Shift.Give examples of Heavy NP Shift and Clause Shift and relate them
to thephenomenon of extraposition.
4.1.Identify the propoerties of heavyNP shift in the sentences below
(1) a. J ohn noticed a picture of his mother on the wall.
b Who did J ohn notice a picture of on the wall ?
(2) a. J ohn noticed on the wall a picture of his mother .
b.*Who did J ohn notice on the wall a picture of ?
(3) a. J ohn purchased [for his son] [a new toy car]
b. What did J ohn purchase for his son?
c. ?For whom did J ohn purchase a new toy?

4.2. Distinguish between Extraposition& Clause Shift in the examples below:.
a. J ohn regretted it [that Mary wasnt going to the party.]
b. J ohn regretted deeply [that Mary wasnt going to the party].
c.?? J ohn regretted [that Mary wasnt going to the party] deeply.
d. ??They wrote [that the company was going bankrupt] to the lawyers.
e. They wrote to the lawyers [that the company was going bankrupt]
f. I hate it [that it is always cold in October]
g. He said out loud [that he had proposed to Mary].
h. He has already declared it [that he was going to be married]
i. He declared proudly [that he was going to get married]
j. The senator announced it [that he wanted to step down]

5. Give examples of Topicalization structures. Is Topicalization restricted to subject complement clauses
only?

A.3. That-Deletion
1. Relate the phenomenon of that-deletion to the class of subject-object asymmetries. Give examples.
2. Discuss That-deletion on the basis of the following data:
(1). a. I believe [that you will win the contest.] / I believe [you will win the contest.]
b. [That she got married to that awful fellow] was a surprise to anyone who knew her. /
*[ __She got married to that awful fellow] was a surprise to anyone who knew her.
(2). a. They claim for all intents and purposes [that J ohn is the best plumber in town.]
b. ??They claim for all intents and purposes [__J ohn is the best plumber in town.]
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(3) a. I know very well [that you dont like syntax.]
b. I know very well [__you dont like syntax.]
(4). a. He was told [that no one was at home.]
b. ?He was told [__no one was at home]
(5). a. The fact [that she did not understand the question] and [that she refused to make any
effort tounderstand it] drew him nuts.
b. ?? The fact [that she did not understand the question] and [__she refused to make any
effort to understand it] drew him nuts.
(6) a.Who did she think might win the competition?
b. *Who did she think that might win the competition?
(7) . a. Who do you think left early?
b. *Who do you think that left early?
c. Whom do you think (that) J ohn will invite?

A.4. That Clauses Distribution & Syntactic Functions

1. Comment on the distribution and syntactic functions of the THAT-clause complements in the
following sentences:
a. We discovered that our map had disappeared.
b. Was it true that she was ill?
c. Theyre not aware that they are in a dangerous position.
d. The idea that men from Mars were landing was absurd.
e. That she refused to help you was really astonishing.
f. George made it clear that he disagreed.
g. The truth is that we dont know who he is.
h. Im afraid that I have to disappoint you.
i. It struck me that the boss was behaving strangely.
j. She was so careless that she left the door unlocked.
k. The suggestion was that they should leave at once.
l. He loved her so much that he could give his life for her.

2. Identify the that-complement clauses in the texts below and state their syntactic function:

I. History students will recall that until 1913 U.S. senators were usually chosen by state legislatures,
not by voters. The framers of the Constitution saw to it that the U.S. was a representative republic,
insulated from the passions of the moment. Today, virtual anything is hip, except virtual democracy
the idea that the people should not rule directly. Its almost an article of faith that more democracy equals
better democracy. Polls show that significant majorities favour the idea of national referendums. Like
church dogma, our civic religion now dictates that even when the people seem wrong, they are by
definition, right. [] This suggests that interactive voting is closer than we know. Once we can vote from
home, its hard to believe that choosing candidates wont be expanded to choosing policies, just as Ross
Perot promised.

II. I suppose the Galilean ideal of perfection of nature is, at some level, a driving force in all inquiry, but
it certainly isnt very much of a leading force in most fields, any more than it is in linguistics. A good
reason is that it is so hard to gain something approaching descriptive adequacy that you cant realistically
ask further questions.
III. The modern scientific revolution, from Galileo, was based on the thesis that the world is a great
machine.

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IV. My apprehension was that she might never recover, a fact that cant have escaped her quick mind
either. This could explain why she insisted that she be left alone, or why she got so silent at times that one
believed she was already far away. The bigger problem was that her behaviour left no room for any help
whatsoever and I could not forget her telling to me that she saw no reason why she should try and fight
for life. I regretted it that I didnt say anything at the moment. The truth of her statement struck me so
violently that I could find no word of encouragement.

B. SEQUENCE OF TENSES
1. Provide a definition of the Sequence of Tenses (SOT) rule.
2. List the expressions which are affected by a past tense in the matrix. Provide examples.
3. Provide arguments that SOT is not confined to indirect discourse.
4. When can SOT be disregarded?
5. Mention the classes of verbs which do not allow optional SOT. Provide examples.
6.Comment on the following sets of examples, focusing on the interpretation of the embedded verb (i.e.,
shifted or simultaneous reading for embedded past; double access reading)
(1) a. J ohn said that he sang a song
b. Bill reported that they robbed a bank.
(2) a. J ohn said that Mary was pregnant when he met her.
b. J ohn mentioned that it was raining when he left.
(3) a. J ohn said that Bill was sick
b. John said that Mary was still happy.
(4) a. J ohn heard that Mary is pregnant.
b. John said that we are taking the mid next week.
c. He also said that he will have finished studying by then.
(5) a. *Bill thought that his wife still loves him
b. *She hoped that Bill loves her
c. *The teacher insisted that she is clever.
d.??He grunted that nobody wants to help him.

7.Translate into English. Indicate where SOT may be optional:
a. Uitasemc e blond. B. Nu tianicimcar care e capitalaFranei. C. Mi-a spusc vine minedarsi spun
sincereum cam ndoiesccvaveni. D. Ce-a spus? C o doarecapu . e. Ce, tucredeaicBecali e cinstit? F.
Speramstiemaimulte. G. Ion mormic nu arenevoie de ajutorulnimnuiiiei din camer. H. Mi-a
optitcinevac se ctorescfoartecurnd. i. A insistatctecunoate. J , Indeclaraiepretindeaic nu
lcunotipeacuzat.

C. THE SUBJUNCTIVE

1. Point out the main differences between the Subjunctive and the Indicative in English. Discuss the
speakers commitment to the truth of the proposition. Provide examples.

2. Lexical triggers. Indicative triggers vs. subjunctive triggers. Explain in what way the meaning of the
trigger matches the value of the indicative/subjunctive mood.

3. Compare the following sentences. Show in what way the meaning of the verb in the matrix (the
trigger) matches the meaning of the complement clause:

Mary insisted she left immediately.
Mary insisted that she leave/should leave immediately.

I regret that Mary is ill
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I regret that Mary should be feeling ill

I convinced J ohn that she went to the conference.
I convinced J ohn that she should go to the conference.

Mary insisted that she left early.
Mary insisted that she would leave early.
Mary insisted that she should leave early.

4. Dual mood choice verbs. Provide examples.

5. Negation licensed subjunctives. Provide examples and explain why negation in the matrix is
compatible with the subjunctive.Discuss the difference between:
a. I believe that he deserves a prize.
b. I dont believe that he should deserve a prize.

6. Rewrite the following using a WISH construction:
1. I'm sorry our garden is not so sunny. 2. I'm sorry I called him a liar. 3. I'd like you to keep quiet. 4. I'd
like Tom to drive more slowly (but I haven't any great hopes of this). 5. I'm sorry that theatre tickets cost
so much. 6. I'm sorry we didn't stick to the old currency. 7. It's a pity I haven't got a working permit. 8. I
would like it to stop raining (but I'm not very hopeful). 9. I'm sorry I didn't bring a map. 10.I'd like him to
cut his hair (but I don't suppose he will) 11. I'd like him to stop smoking (but I haven't any great hopes)
12. Motorist in fog: It's a pity we dont know where we are. 13. I'm sorry I didn't know you were coming.
14. It's a pity you didn't roll up the carpet before painting the ceiling. 15. I would like every country to
stop whaling (but have no real hope of this).

7. Put the verb in brackets into the correct form:
1. It's just struck midnight. It's high time we (leave)! 2. If only we (have) a phone! I'm tired of
queuingoutside the phone box. 3. You (have) better take off your wet shoes. 4. He walks as if he (have) a
wooden leg. 5. I wish I (know) what is wrong with him. 6. I wish I (ask) the fishmonger to clean these
fish (I'm sorry I didn't ask him). 8. It's time we (do) something to stop road accidents. 9. The cheese looks
as if rats (nibble) it. 10. He treats us as if we (be) all morons. 11. If you (tie) the boat up it wouldn't have
drifted away. 12. I wish you (not give him) my phone number (I'm sorry you gave it to him). 13. If only
he (know) then that the disease was curable! 14. Suppose you (not know) where your next meal was
coming from? 15. I hate driving. I'd rather you (drive). 16. If only I (be insured).(But I wasn't insured).
17. If only I (keep) my mouth shut! (I said something which made matters much worse). 18. That man has
brought us nothing but trouble, I wish I never (set) eyes on him. 19. I wish I (not try) to repair it. I only
made it worse. 20. He looks as if he never (get) a square meal, but in fact his wife feeds him very well.

8. Rephrase the following using a SHOULD-Subjunctive (the analytical subjunctive):
1. "Why don't you study maths at evening class?" she said to him.
She suggested ...
2. Let's finish the meeting on time," he said to them.
He proposed...
3. "Take the prisoner below deck and tie him up!" shouted the captain.
The captain commanded...
4. "If I were you, I'd have the beef," said the waiter.
The waiter recommended ...
5. The minutes of the meeting must be read," said the chairperson.
The chairperson insisted...
6. The contract must be signed by all parties.
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It is important ...
7. The candidates must have a thorough medical examination.
It is essential ...

10. Comment on the use of the (analytical) subjunctive/indicative in the following examples; identify
the subjunctive triggers.
1) Now he asks that this sordid episode from our history be sealed from public knowledge. 2) Now he
asks why this sordid episode from our history was sealed from public knowledge. 2) It is odd that he went
there alone./ It is odd that he should have gone there alone. 3). I doubt that this be true. 4) The Muslims
request that this important political change come first. 5) Had the Europeans clearly expressed the wish
that Israel should become a member of the regional group in Europe, my sincere feeling is that this
general conference would not have opposed them. 6) It is best that you should see a doctor as soon as
possible./ It is best that you saw your doctor right away. 7) I doubt that they should be at the party. 8) I
was surprised she said that / I was surprised she should have said that. 9) It is essential that you should
help your brother / It is essential that you helped your brother. 10) The order that I should leave at 5 a.m.
infuriated me. 11) He didnt say anything for fear she might get angry. 12) They want to leave for fear she
may change her mind.13) It is vital that the book was published/ It is vital that the book be published. 14)
In order that this measure be useful, it must be put into force right away. 15) I locked myself into my
study so that I should not be disturbed. 16) His manner, stern though it be, was not unkind. 17) Be he who
he may, he has no right to be here. 18) Cost what it may, well go there. 19) I do not believe he should
succeed.

11. Translate into English:
1. Sa-l iadracu! 2. Fir-aisafii! 3. fiece-o fi, o sa-i spun adevarul. 4. destulsava spun ca nu s-a ostenitsa-mi
raspunda. 5. Oricine-ar fi, nu are dreptulsa-mi vorbeascaasa. 6. Orice s-arintampla, voiveni cu voi. 7
Departe de mine gandulsa le spun ce s-a intamplataici. 8. Ma trateaza de parca as fi fiullui. 9. Ne vorbea
de parcaar fi fostsefulnostru. 10. Chiardac-ar fi desteapta tot nu mi-arplacea de ea. 11.
Varecomandsadormitimaimultsisamancatimancaremaibuna. 12. emai bine sateduciacolo personal. 13. E
de neconceputca Ion sa fi spusasaceva. 14. E important saajunga la timp. 15. E important caaajuns la
timp.