Teacher Discussion Forums

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

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..."?

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.

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

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

Who's a happy bunny now, then?

Me.

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