Parallel structures: drop the "that"

Question

Hello!

Just a quick question here. For verbs that require a "that" such as "suggest," do we need a "that" before all items?

"Studies suggest that running is good and that walking is bad"

Vs.

"Studies suggest that running is good and walking is bad"

Is there a rule of thumb to know when to drop these? I've been reading threads on dropping words but I can't seem to figure it out.

Thank you!

aditya8062 · Answer

both usages are parallel .

smalluser · Answer

Got it, thank you! When using complex gerund phrases, can we drop the "the" also?

The rebels demanded the withdrawal of government forces from disputed regions and release of certain political prisoners

Vs.

The rebels demanded the withdrawal of government forces from disputed regions and the release of certain political prisoners.

The "the" seems necessary here, but that's by ear... Thank you!

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aditya8062 · Answer

i don't see any complex gerund in the above construction .if u r referring "the withdrawal of government forces" as complex gerund then i would like to tell u that it is a noun phrase !!

example of complex gerund ----> the accurate tracking of satellites

smalluser · Answer

Understood, thanks for the clarification.

My question still remains minus the terminology. Is "the" necessary before "release?" In fact, is "the" necessary before noun phrases and complex gerund phrases? Thanks!

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aditya8062 · Answer

no it wont make any difference however if the if these noun phrases are really big then u can "view" the option with "the" in each noun phrase as "more readable" .also note that GMAC is never going to make this a deciding factor between any 2 choices

smalluser · Answer

For example, instead of "the release" it could be "the raising of a flag". I just am curious if the "the" at the beginning is sufficient for the sentence.

Thanks

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smalluser · Answer

Oh, ok. Just saw your reply as I was typing. Sounds like for both the "the" makes it more readable, not just for noun phrases?

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Parallel structures: drop the "that"

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