I Find

[jack]

What do these mean?

1. I find that pathetic.
2. I find that is pathetic.

Thanks.

[Casiopea]

Originally Posted by jack

What do these mean?

1. I find that pathetic.
2. I find that is pathetic.

Thanks.

1. I find that pathetic.

"that" functions as the object of the verb, and it is modified by the adjective "pathetic". "pathetic" is an object complement. Here's the test for object complements:

1. I find that pathetic. Test => that is pathetic.

Now, if we add is to our sentence, the result is ungrammatical, 2.

2. *I find that is pathetic.

"that" has two functions: 1) as the object of "find" and 2) as the subject of is. In every sentence, each word must have only one function. "that" in 2) has more than one function.

[jack]

"that" has two functions: 1) as the object of "find" and 2) as the subject of is. In every sentence, each word must have only one function. "that" in 2) has more than one function.

Thanks again. That is very useful.

[Mister Micawber]

2. *I find that is pathetic.

"that" has two functions: 1) as the object of "find" and 2) as the subject of is. In every sentence, each word must have only one function. "that" in 2) has more than one function.

'I find that (that) is pathetic.'
'I lost what is most important to me.'

How do these sentences fit into the rule, Casi?


(PS: there aren't any responseless threads, and I really have to say something while I'm here.)

[Casiopea]

Originally Posted by Mister Micawber

'I find that (that) is pathetic.'
'I lost what is most important to me.'

How do these sentences fit into the rule, Casi?

(PS: there aren't any responseless threads, and I really have to say something while I'm here.)

They fit nicely, as you know. ("that1" functions as the object of "find" and "that2" functions as the subject of "is". As for "what is more. . . .", the entire clause functions as the object of "lost" and, inside the clause, "what" functions as the subject of "is".)

Originally Posted by Mister Micawber

(PS: there aren't any responseless threads, and I really have to say something while I'm here.)

I know how you feel. It's like that some days.