that and because

[jiang]

Dear teachers,
Please read the sentence:

The biggest problem theyhad at the beginning was ________they didn't have the technical know-how.

a. that b. because
The key is 'a'. I think 'b' is also correct. 'a' is a predicative clause while 'b' is a clause of reason. Is that right?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you in advance.

Jiang

[Tdol]

A) is the obvious choice, but I think b) could work.

[jiang]

Dear Tdol,
Thank you very much for your reply. Now I see.
Jiang

A) is the obvious choice, but I think b) could work.

[MikeNewYork]

Dear teachers,
Please read the sentence:

The biggest problem theyhad at the beginning was ________they didn't have the technical know-how.

a. that b. because
The key is 'a'. I think 'b' is also correct. 'a' is a predicative clause while 'b' is a clause of reason. Is that right?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you in advance.

Jiang

I would only use "that". This is a linking construction between "problem" and the clause. That asks for a noun clause "that they didn't", not the subordinate clause "because they didn't".

[jiang]

&
Dear Mike,

May I understand it this way:
If it is an action then I can use because clause. For example, they didn't fix the machine at the beginning because they didn't have the technical know-how.
Now it is a noun 'problem' so I can only use a noun clause to show the content of the problem. Is that right?

Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you in advance.
Jiang

I would only use "that". This is a linking construction between "problem" and the clause. That asks for a noun clause "that they didn't", not the subordinate clause "because they didn't".

[svartnik]

hello,

My 2 cents

The biggest problem they had at the beginning was ________they didn't have the technical know-how.

The that clause is the complement of problem. Okay
If we use because as a conjunction word, then the causal adjunct (subordinate clause) after it will explain why it was so that the biggest problem arose at the beginning (and not at the end).

[MikeNewYork]

&
Dear Mike,

May I understand it this way:
If it is an action then I can use because clause. For example, they didn't fix the machine at the beginning because they didn't have the technical know-how.
Now it is a noun 'problem' so I can only use a noun clause to show the content of the problem. Is that right?

Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you in advance.
Jiang

Yes, your solution for the "because" clause is very good.
A "because" is not a problem, it is a reason.

[jiang]

Dear Mike,
Thank you very much for your further explanation. And I am happy my solution works. I was so uncertain when I posted my solution.

Have a nice day.

Jiang

Yes, your solution for the "because" clause is very good.
A "because" is not a problem, it is a reason.

[MikeNewYork]

Dear Mike,
Thank you very much for your further explanation. And I am happy my solution works. I was so uncertain when I posted my solution.

Have a nice day.

Jiang

You're welcome.

[jiang]

&
Dear svartnick,
Thank you very much for your explanation. I think I understand the first part of it.

If we use because as a conjunction word, then the causal adjunct (subordinate clause) after it will explain why it was so that the biggest problem arose at the beginning (and not at the end).
I am afraid I don't quite understand this part. Could you please kindly explain it to me?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you in advance.

Jiang

hello,

My 2 cents

The biggest problem they had at the beginning was ________they didn't have the technical know-how.

The that clause is the complement of problem. Okay
If we use because as a conjunction word, then the causal adjunct (subordinate clause) after it will explain why it was so that the biggest problem arose at the beginning (and not at the end).