Sentence arrangement

   Share on Facebook  
bhikkhu1991  #502172  Fri, 18 Apr 08 09:54 AM

1. These foods are not soft enough for me, I think.

2. I think, these foods are not soft enough for me.

3  I think these foods are not soft enough for me.

 

Hello Grammarian/Grammarians,

Each sentence contains two main clauses.How can we tell they are arranged grammatically ?

Thank you.

With best wishes.

  
Top 500 Contributor
Joined on Mon, Mar 31 2008
Junior Member (89)
Mister Micawber  #502239  Fri, 18 Apr 08 01:08 PM
.
Each sentence, as in your previous posting, contains only one main clause.  In #2 and #3  a zero-that (omitted that) exists as a subordinating conjunction (#2 is punctuated incorrectly).  #1, on the other hand, contains an interjection-- a parenthetical disjunct called a comment clause.  It cannot stand by itself (I think...??), but modifies the main clause (These foods....for me).

1. These foods are not soft enough for me, I think.

2. I think (that) these foods are not soft enough for me.

3  I think (that) these foods are not soft enough for me.


  
Top 10 Contributor
Joined on Wed, Aug 4 2004
Yokohama
Veteran Member (19,565)
SystemAdministratorTeachers
'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.' . 'A fabis abstineto' - Anon
Clive  #502240  Fri, 18 Apr 08 01:11 PM

Hi,

Really, I think ' is the main clause, and '(that) these foods are not soft enough for me' is a subordinate noun clause. We can see that clearly in option (c).

1. These foods are not soft enough for me, I think. This word order makes it look like two clauses. The 'I think' seems parenthetical, and the comma acknowledges that. 

2. I think, these foods are not soft enough for me. There is not reason here to use a comma.

3  I think these foods are not soft enough for me. As discussed.

Each sentence contains two main clauses.How can we tell they are arranged grammatically ?

'These foods' suggests you are focusing on different kinds of food. If not, just say 'This food'.

Best wishes, Clive

  
Top 10 Contributor
Joined on Thu, Oct 28 2004
Canada
Veteran Member (19,495)
ModeratorTeachers
El tango argentino es un pensamiento triste que se puede bailar (The tango argentino is a sad thought which can be danced) Enrique Santos Discépolo
AddThis Feed Button RSS Feed: ESL Basic English Grammar Questions and Help
© 2008 MediaCET Ltd.
Terms and Conditions