Job Discussion Forums

[mapache]

Would someone please help me out in regard to noun clauses used as the objects of sentences?[b]

We say, "The doctor says she eats too much ice cream."[/b]

But why do we say, "He suggests she eat more fruit." ?

I had a brain fart in my TOEFL prep class today and can't remember the rule or where to find it.

Thanks!

"A mind is a terrible thing to waste" - Dan Quayle

[mapache]

correction:

[mapache]

"What a waste it is to lose one's mind" - Dan Quayle

[notamiss]

The second example is a sighting of that rare, elusive, almost extinct grammar bird, the subjunctive in English.

In this example, it would, for once, be exactly the same in Spanish:
Sugiere el m�dico que coma m�s fruta.

[notamiss]

And, deviating a little from the topic at hand, your raccoon has just taken over my computer screen. You can downsize it at this website, among others: http://www.shrinkpictures.com/create-avatar/.

[mapache]

Thanks - and sorry about the racoon

[wildchild]

[Linda T.]

Yep, Notamiss is right, it's similar to the subjunctive in Spanish (except that there are SO MANY more occasions where one can use this tense in Spanish). In English (I've got my text open right now lest you think all this info is rattling around in my brain), looks like it's just used after certain verbs that express suggestions or demands for future actions (after any tense of suggest, recommend, propose, ask, request, insist, requre, and demand); and after certain expressions that indicate necessity (after any tense of expressions like "it is necessary that," "it is important that," or "it is vital that"). In these instances, the basic form of the verb is used for all persons.

It always helps me to remember this stuff if I can find some logical reason (or illogical excuse) for it. Anybody got any ideas for this one?

[Phil_K]

I seem to remember that if you use the subjunctive in Spanish, it is equally valid to use it is in English, as it is a mood not a tense. it's just that we don't, because we always find an easier way to say what we want.

I'll go out whether it be raining or not.
The doctor recommended that he not smoke.

[Mrs L]

[james2187]

interesting info on the subjunctive!