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What's this "either"? "I soon realized that I must EITHER leave the metropolis and rusticate somewhere in the country, or that I must make a complete alteration in my style of living." –Study of Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle– I think, the first "that" is the conjunction to lead the following noun clause which works as the object of the verb "realize". The clause contains two small clauses; one of them follows the conjunction "either", and the other follows the conjunction "or". If I am right, then the whole sentences structure is like this; I realized (that [either-clause]+[or-clause]) However, as you see, here is two huge problems; first, the location of "either" is weird. It should be placed before "I must". Second, "or that" also seems weird. Two conjunctions in a row? Somebody, please help me.

Answers · 17

2
Let’s simplify this problem. We’ll remove “I soon realized that,” since it’s not needed in this example. New sentence: I must EITHER leave the metropolis and rusticate somewhere in the country, or that I must make a complete alteration in my style of living." “I must [x or y]” Can be written two ways: “I must EITHER [x] OR [y]” “I must EITHER [x] OR I must [y]”
1
Well, the OR is immovable, but the EITHER isn't. The sentence is fine as it is, and putting EITHER at the beginning is definitely not better. Here's a tip: when comparing sentences pay good attention to the rhythm. Then you will be able to HEAR which one is correct. Yes, I did understand your reasoning, but sometimes you just have to play it by ear. :-)
1
"Rusticate"... oh, Arthur. :D I agree with 雲小泉 - the "either" actually sits in the cosiest spot possible. You'll find this is the case with certain two-part grammar forms. I'm dealing with a similar issue with Slovak dative. It's really about cosy spots. For the second question, "that" marks the beginning of a clause. I don't see how it functions as a conjunction here.
0
Actually, the algorithm approach is perfectly fine. It's just that English can use multiple algorithms to say the same thing. It's redundant. It makes the language harder than it has to be. Sorry that my language is terrible :)
0
Haha, you are absolutely right. Although It sounds quite maniac to you though, what I want now is to learn the algorithm. So Conan Doyle is the good resource to me to follow, because he must have used the grammar on his accord which should be respectable one, I believe. After finish this 19th novel, I will go for 20th one :)

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