Основы теории английского языка. Листунова Е.И. - 115 стр.

                            OBJECT CLAUSES

      1. Subordinate object clauses have the function of an object to the
predicate of the princi pal clause. Object clauses may also refer to
some verbals in the function of their objects:
      «I’ll tell you why I asked you to come,» said Gilbert (Henry).
«I wonder what he’s writing to me about,» remarked Nevada, listless-
ly (Henry). He dispatched a messenger to the stables to inquire wheth-
er the coachman was there... (Dickens). Hans looked up anxiously
dreading lest his mother should grow agitated, as usual, when speak-
ing of the lost money... (Dodge).
      2. Object clauses are introduced by:
      a) Conjunctions: that, if, whether, lest;
      b) Conjunctive pronouns: who, what, which;
      c) Conjunctive adverbs: when, where, how, why.
      I felt certain now that I had seen him somewhere (Maugham). I
wonder if he likes his job? (Braine). He wondered whether Steve knew
or understood what had happened (Gordon). I don’t know what you
are driving at (Mazo de la Roche). I did not see how that was possible...
(Jerome). I should like to see where you live, Jon (Galsworthy).
      3. Object clauses may be preceded by prepositions:
      ...He began to think of what presents he would like to take home
to the others (Mazo de la Roche). He was ñåãtainly displeased by what
had occurred that day... (Bronte). ...I’m sorry for what I said to you
the other day... (Maugham).
      4. Object clauses may be joined to the principal clause asyndetically:
      «But I am afraid I trouble you too much,» said Mr. Dombey
(Dickens). I see you are an early riser (Bronte). Are you not glad we
came? (Maurier).
      Both constructions / I think it is late and / think that is late)
have developed from independent sentences joined asyndetically as fol-
lows: / think: it is late. I think that: it is late. In the second construction
the word that was the demonstrative pronoun. Later on it weakened its
stress and came to be felt to belong to the subordinate clause instead of
as originally to the preceding sentence i. e., it became a conjunction.
That is used in those cases in which the mutual relation of the two
clauses is not quite clear without the conjunction. But when no doubt
can arise, the construction without that is preferred in conversation and
easy literary prose; that is used in scientific writing.
      5. Object clauses are not separated by a comma.

                                   – 115 –