difficult grammar question
1 Why use "that" two times instead of three times? (see the sentence below)
explain that..... , and that....., and they will always be..

Explain that Maya has no father in her life, and that any affection you express for her does not lessen the love you feel for them, and they will always be "No. 1" in your heart.

2 height clearance/ height limits which is more common on signs?

Thank you very much for your help

Question

difficult grammar question
1 Why use "that"  two times instead of three times? (see the sentence below)
explain that..... , and that....., and they will always be..

Explain that Maya has no father in her life, and that any affection you express for her does not lessen the love you feel for them, and they will always be "No. 1" in your heart.

2 height clearance/ height limits  which is more common on signs?

Thank you very much for your help

Answer

1. This sentence contains a subject, two relative clauses, and a predicate:

- {subject} {relative clause 1} {relative clause 2} {conjuction} {predicate}.
= explain         {no father}              {affection}            and        {they will be}

Both relative clauses modify the subject; in this case they define what needs to be explained. Because they add essential information about the main clause (the subject) they both require a relative pronoun, in this case "that".
The predicate isn't a relative clause (it could be a complete sentence on its own) so it *cannot* take a relative pronoun.

So, both instances of "that" are required, and you cannot put "that" after the conjunction. The sentence would be grammatically incorrect if either of the "that"s were removed, or if "that" were inserted after "and".

2. In the US, the signs on overpasses say "max(imum) clearance: 16 ft"

Answer

1. "That" should only be used when the meaning is harder to understand without it. The first time in the sentence it is used, "that" is necessary. The second and third times, "that" is unnecessary, because you can understand the sentence without it. Personally, I would use "that" all three times, but it is a matter of taste.
2. I don't know.

Answers · 2

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