Syntactically confused!

LarryLatham · Post by **LarryLatham** » Thu Jan 29, 2004 10:59 pm

What is the grammatical function of "who" in the following sentence:

"The children argued about who was supposed to wash the dishes."

Is "who" the object of "about"?

Or is it the subject of "was supposed"?

Larry Latham

metal56 · Post by **metal56** » Thu Jan 29, 2004 11:20 pm

For me the subject of "was supposed".

A:Who is supposed to wash the dishes?

B:What did he say?

C:He asked who was supposed to wash the dishes
C: He said "Who is supposed to..."?

lolwhites · Post by **lolwhites** » Thu Jan 29, 2004 11:28 pm

I agree with metal56. I would say that who was supposed... is a subordinate clause acting as the "object" of argue about.

The children argued about bedtime.
The children argued about what to watch on TV.
The children argued about who was supposed to wash the dishes.

LarryLatham · Post by **LarryLatham** » Thu Jan 29, 2004 11:45 pm

Thanks for your very quick response, M56. I see your point, but I'm still confused. If we call "about" a preposition here (which may be up for discussion), then what would be it's object?

Larry Latham

LarryLatham · Post by **LarryLatham** » Thu Jan 29, 2004 11:51 pm

Oh, thanks, lolwhites. (You must've hit your "submit" button just as I was composing my reply to M56.

).

Ahhhh...I think I can see your logic now. Clumping "who" with everything after it into a clause (which shudda been obvious to me) makes the whole thing easier.

Thank you, guys.

Larry Latham

metal56 · Post by **metal56** » Fri Jan 30, 2004 2:05 pm

Who's a happy bunny now, then?

LarryLatham · Post by **LarryLatham** » Fri Jan 30, 2004 6:55 pm

Me.

sita · Post by **sita** » Sat Jan 31, 2004 6:05 am

hiya!

I often do not join in coz I am too tired or haven't a clue.

I always read your threads though and really benefit from them!

Cheers
Siân