A object set is a subordinate clausewhich in the main clause die role of the object takes over. Because he represents a clause, he belongs to the elementset.
There is Genitive and Dative- and accusative objects. Accordingly, an object set can also be answered with the W-questions «Know?»«Whom?» or «Who or what?» be asked.
- object set in Genitive:I am aware that the decision has consequencesKnow am i aware
- object set in dative:Whoever is my friend, I will help.Whom I help?
- object set in accusative:She doesn’t see who’s passing by.Whom or What doesn’t she see?
Difference between subject sentence and object sentence
Before going into the differences between object and subject clauses, the subject clause will be explained below.
subject sentences
Subject clauses, like object clauses, belong to the clauses. Analogously to the object sentence, the definition for a subject sentence is as follows:
In addition to object and subject clauses, there are other types of clauses:
Adverbial and attribute clauses.
- adverbs are words that describe circumstances in more detail. This includes designations such as «morning», «all», «hopefully», «maybe».adverbial clauses take the role of the adverb in the sentence. Examples of adverbial clauses are: «Because she was ill, she went to the doctor» and «Where I’m going, the weather is nice».
- attributes express characteristics of a noun, such as «blue», «red», «young», «old», «beautiful».attribute sets replace the attributes in the main clause. Examples of attribute sentences include: «Cats that are friendly don’t scratch» and «The idea of going on vacation together is great».
If you want to learn more about subject sentences, read our article «Subject Clause»!
Comparison between object sentences and subject sentences
In order to show you the differences and similarities of object and subject sentences more clearly, you will find a table below:
Object sentencesSubject sentencesTake the role of a clause (object), so belong to the clause clauses.Take the role of a clause (subject), therefore belong to the clause clauses.Are with «Know?»«Whom?» or «Who or what?» will be asked «Who?» or «What?» asked.Example: I can see what that is.Example: It remains to be seen if he is the culprit.
More examples of object sets
Object clauses can replace a genitive, dative, or accusative object.
Genitive
We are aware that it will take us a long time to get to Cologne.
Know are we aware Whosethat we will need a long time to Cologne.
dative
The dog brings the ball to whoever owns it.
Whom does the dog bring the ball? To thewho owns it.
accusative
Shapes of the object set
The object set can be linked to the main clause in various forms.
He can with one Question word, «that», «how» or «if» be initiated.
You are aware that you cooked something delicious.
But the object set can also without introduction happen.
He claims he didn’t forget the coffee.
(An introduced object sentence, by comparison, would look like this: He claims he didn’t forget the coffee.)
After all, one can infinitive construction form the object set.
I ask you to help me.
correlate
That Correlate represents in the main clause clause.
In some sentence structures, a correlate in the main clause indicates that a clause is to be found in the clause rather than in the main clause. However, the correlate is not obligatory in order to form a main clause with a clause.
You are happy that we came.
The correlate «above» is placed where the object would be in the main clause if it were not separated from the main clause by an object clause.
However, the correlate can also be omitted:
You’re glad we came.