Sentence structure

English grammar questions, answered by Alan

Moderator: Alan

Locked
toedrika
Member
Posts: 48
Joined: Sat Feb 25, 2023 9:00 am
Status: Learner of English
Location: Arab Republic of Egypt

Sentence structure

Post by toedrika »

Dear Professor,

I need a grammatical explanation of this sentence, especially the double usage of the verb 'to be'.

"A building or structure that is insecure is not safe, because it could fall down."

Thank you!

Best regards,
Antoine Ghannoum
User avatar
Alan
Teacher/Moderator
Teacher/Moderator
Posts: 15193
Joined: Mon Dec 29, 2003 7:56 pm
Status: Teacher of English
Location: Japan

Re: Sentence structure

Post by Alan »

The first 'is' is the main verb of the subordinate (relative) clause "that is insecure", while the second is that of the main clause (A building or structure...is not safe).

I hope that answers your query.
Locked