To tdol

[Taka]

Thank you for the clear example again, Mike.

(case a: ",conj (b)" included)
There is deep suspicion that government is the natural enemy of freedom, even if it is elected by the people.

The truth is that a person of seventy is a totally different person than a person of twenty ,and a comparison or their intellect is impractical.

(case b: ",conj (b)" excluded)
I have a deep suspicion that government is the natural enemy of freedom, even if others disagree with me.

The truth is that I was home alone on Saturday night, and I hope you believe that.

Now, which case is more common, "case a" or "case b"?

When I asked tdol:

Is it possible to generalize that if there is a "....that (a), conj (b)" construction, conj (b) is always included in the "that-clause"? Or, do you think it depends on the content?

then he said:

Off-hand, I'd probably say we could,

So I thought "case a" was more usual. But it seems like you are saying that "case a" and "case b" would equally appear in English, depending on the content.

 

[Casiopea]

Included
There is deep suspicion that government, even if it is elected by the people, is the natural enemy of freedom.

All the best,

 

[MikeNewYork]

Thank you for the clear example again, Mike.

(case a: ",conj (b)" included)
There is deep suspicion that government is the natural enemy of freedom, even if it is elected by the people.

The truth is that a person of seventy is a totally different person than a person of twenty ,and a comparison or their intellect is impractical.

(case b: ",conj (b)" excluded)
I have a deep suspicion that government is the natural enemy of freedom, even if others disagree with me.

The truth is that I was home alone on Saturday night, and I hope you believe that.

Now, which case is more common, "case a" or "case b"?

When I asked tdol:

Is it possible to generalize that if there is a "....that (a), conj (b)" construction, conj (b) is always included in the "that-clause"? Or, do you think it depends on the content?

then he said:

Off-hand, I'd probably say we could,

So I thought "case a" was more usual. But it seems like you are saying that "case a" and "case b" would equally appear in English, depending on the content.

I don't think I can give you statistics on frequency. My guess is that the "included" form is more common, simply because one would have a tendency to end the thought when one reaches the end of the noun clause -- wherever that end occurs. :wink:

 

[Taka]

I don't think I can give you statistics on frequency. My guess is that the "included" form is more common, simply because one would have a tendency to end the thought when one reaches the end of the noun clause -- wherever that end occurs.

I learned here in Japan that a comma is usually put to end the thought and to start new thought. Is it not necessary true?

 

[Tdol]

It could be true, but there will be plenty of cases where it is not true.

 

[MikeNewYork]

I don't think I can give you statistics on frequency. My guess is that the "included" form is more common, simply because one would have a tendency to end the thought when one reaches the end of the noun clause -- wherever that end occurs.

I learned here in Japan that a comma is usually put to end the thought and to start new thought. Is it not necessary true?

Commas are used for many things. Sometimes, they indicate a natural or obligatory pause. At other times, they are there for purely grammatical reasons. One could say that a compound sentence (with two independent clauses) is two thoughts, but one could also see it as one thought with two pieces.

 

[Taka]

It could be true, but there will be plenty of cases where it is not true.

Commas are used for many things. Sometimes, they indicate a natural or obligatory pause. At other times, they are there for purely grammatical reasons. One could say that a compound sentence (with two independent clauses) is two thoughts, but one could also see it as one thought with two pieces.

OK. I understand.

Thank you, teachears! I really enjoy learning English here!

 

[MikeNewYork]

It could be true, but there will be plenty of cases where it is not true.

Commas are used for many things. Sometimes, they indicate a natural or obligatory pause. At other times, they are there for purely grammatical reasons. One could say that a compound sentence (with two independent clauses) is two thoughts, but one could also see it as one thought with two pieces.

OK. I understand.

Thank you, teachears! I really enjoy learning English here!

Not half as much as we enjoy your questions.

 

[Tdol]

You do ask very interesting questions. Thanks. ;-)