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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 uses a nominal relative complementizer?
She wonders if the package arrived.
That the sky is blue fascinates physicists.
Explain how you solved this equation.
I doubt whether he'll attend.
In which sentence can the complementizer NOT be omitted?
I think that the meeting starts at 9.
She whispered that she saw a ghost.
We know that Mars has two moons.
They believe that exercise is essential.
Sort the words to form a correct sentence.
Match sentence beginnings to their correct endings.
Complete each sentence using the correct complementizer.
We suspect
the data was altered.
They debated
to invest in cryptocurrency.
The teacher asked
I missed class yesterday.
the treaty was signed is historical fact. But experts dispute
the terms were fair.
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