Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[b7lake]

#1.There is always the worry that a type of self-thinking robot
could be created that will wipe out mankind.

Is there anything wrong with the usage of the second 'that'?


#2.(1)She spends a little less than a third of her money on food.
(2)She spends little less than a third of her money on food.

Which sentence is correct?

Thanks a lot for your help.

[buddhaheart]

The second 'that' is fine in (1). The indefinite article �a� in (2) is required.

[rice07]

Hi

1. that a type of self-thinking robot could be created that will wipe out mankind is a noun subordinate clause equivalent to the worry(or the explanation of the worry),and that is a conjuction in here.

2.that will wipe out mankind is an adjective subordinate clause used to describe a type of self-thinking robot, and that is a relative pronoun(RP) in here.

3.As to your confusion with that,you sould have the ability to recognize what are noun or adjective subordinate clauses(you can refer to your grammar book(s) to learn their differences). Let,s see another example in the following:

sour(adj):having a taste like that of a lemon or fruit that is not ready to eat.

=>the 1st that(=the taste) is a pronoun,and the 2nd that is a RP leading an adjective subordinate clause to modify a taste.

[rice07]

=>1."and that..." sould be "and the 1st that..."