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What Are Complementizers?
Complementizers, also called general subordinators, are often used to introduce a finite clause that functions as the subject or object of the main verb in a sentence. They are distinguished from conjunctions and prepositions on the account that they have no lexical content of their own and only acquire meaning in relation to the clause they introduce.
Complementizers: Types
There are two main types of complementizers in English:
Content Clause Complementizers
English content clauses might be indicative or interrogative. Indicative content clauses use 'that' as complementizer ,while interrogative content clauses which take the form of indirect yes/no questions take 'if' or 'whether' as complementizer. Also, complements of adjectives that express uncertainty take "if" or "whether."
I think that she's lying.
I wonder if it's true.
Investigators must determine whether the evidence was mishandled.
Warning!
When the interrogative content clause complementizer is followed by a to-infinitive, only 'whether' can be used and 'if' is not acceptable.
I'm not sure whether to agree or disagree.
You cannot say "I'm not sure if to agree or disagree."
Nominal Relative Complementizers
Nominal relative pronouns and adverbs can form noun clauses that act as subject or object of the verb. Such clauses are used in indirect wh-questions and form the interrogative mood. For example:
I don't know why he left.
Tell me what you want.
She asked when I was coming.
Empty Complementizer
When the complementizer of the sentence is 'that,' it is commonly omitted, especially in speech. In this case an empty complementizer is formed. However, other complementizers cannot be omitted.
I know that you're right. → I know ∅ you're right. ✅
I'm unsure whether to stay. → I'm unsure ∅ to stay. ❌
However, even the indicative complementizer 'that' cannot be omitted from every sentence. If the verb of the sentence shows manner of speech, 'that' cannot be omitted. Additionally, if the clause introduced by 'that' is the subject of the verb, it cannot be omitted. This latter case is not commonly observed in everyday language use but is grammatically correct. Take a look at the examples:
That she won surprised us. → ∅ She won surprised us. ❌
He wispered that he couldn't find his keys. → He wispered ∅ he couldn't find his keys. ❌
Review
Complementizers introduce a finite clause that acts as the subject or object of the verb. English complementizers include:
that/if/whether
what/which/who/whom/when/where/why/how
Quiz:
Which sentence correctly uses a content clause complementizer?
She explained why the lights went out.
He asked how to solve the problem.
I believe that he is innocent.
We saw where the bus stopped.
Sort the words to form a correct sentence.
Match each incomplete sentence with the correct ending.
complete each sentence using the correct complementizer.
I asked her
she had seen the announcement.
They don't understand
caused the delay.
He admitted
he had made a mistake.
The committee discussed
to postpone the event.
Which sentence does not allow use of empty complementizer?
He believes that she will come.
That she failed was unexpected.
She mentioned that she was tired.
They admitted that they lied.
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