§ 84a. The preposition used after an adjective and with a (pro)- noun, gerund, or what-clause is always omitted before a zhat- clause. It is very frequently omitted before clauses and infinitive phrases introduced by a conjunctive. Compare:
() She was not aware of the facts.
(Gi) She was not aware that her husband earned {ro a week.
(iii) She was not aware (of) how much her husband earned.
In (i) of is essential; in (ii) of cannot be used ; in (iti) of may be used but is often omitted.
Similarly in:
(i) Be careful about it.
(ii) Be careful (that) you don’t drop it.
(iii) Be careful how you hold it.
Compare the similar omission of the preposition after certain verbs that are normally used with a preposition.
{She doesn’t care for that man. (VP 244) She doesn’t care who marries him, (VP 24B) He boasted of his success. (VP 24A)
(He boasted of having won the first prize. VP 24A) He boasted that he had won the first prize. (VP 24B)
§ 84 b. Adjectives and past participles that denote perceptions, emotion, and desire are used with that-clauses.
1. Are you aware that you are sitting on my hat?
2. Are you sure (certain, confident) (that) he’s honest?
3. She is. glad (delighted, surprised) (that) you are not going abroad.
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4. Pm sorry (that) you can’t come.
5. They were disappointed that you were unable to come.
6. I’m afraid I don’t know.
97. We were all anxious that you should return, NOTES
6. After afraid the that is almost always omitted. When afraid is used in this pattern, it may indicate regret or apology as well as fear.
d’m afraid (I regret) I shall have to leave now.
When afraid is used to indicate fear, AP x and AP 2 are also used.
He is afraid he may fail. (AP 3)
The boy was afraid to go to bed in the dark. (AP 1) Are you afraid of the dog? (AP 2)
7. When anxious is used with a that-clause, or with for, it indicates desire, not mental unease.
We were all anxious that you should return.
We were all anxious for your return (for you to return). (l.c. We all wanted you to return.)
Cf. We were all anxious (i.e. worried) about your health.
§ 84. For the difference between the use of a to-infinitive and a that-clause after adjectives indicating emotions (e.g. I was glad to come and I was glad I came), see § 82 b, Notes.
A that-clause is, of course, needed when there are different subjects.
I'm glad (that) you came.
§84d. This pattern must not be confused with the pattern illus- trated in Table No. 52 (§ 33 f), in which the zhat-clause is the subject of the sentence after preparatory it. E.g.:
It was unfortunate that the weather was so wet, (I.e, That the weather was so wet was unfortunate.)
Cf. We were unfortunate in having wet weather for the holidays,
§ 84 e. Before a clause or infinitive phrase introduced by a con- junctive, the preposition is, in most cases, omitted.
1. I’m not certain (about) where this ought to be put.
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2. They were uncertain whether they ought to start (whether to start or not).
3. He is doubtful (about) whether he can afford it.
4. Is your father aware (of) how you've been behaving during his absence?
5. We felt curious (as to) how he would receive the suggestion.
6. I am ignorant (of) whom I have the honour to address.
7, I’m not sure why he wants it.
8. We were worried about where you had got to.
- 9. Be careful how you cross the street.
10. He’s very fussy (about) how his meals are cooked.
x1. I’m not quite sure how to do it (how it is done).
NOTES
5s. As to or concerning may be used after an adjective instead of about.
It is seldom necessary and is better avoided.
4. Compare the use and omission of the preposition in these examples with sure.
(7 'm not quite sure of that.
I’m not quite sure whether he’s still here.
§ 85. The examples below illustrate the use of the adjectives glad, sorry, sure, anxious, and careful in the three patterns.
AP iB I shall be glad to have your help.
[ae 2 I shall be glad of your help.
AP 3° I’m glad (that) you can help me.
AP 1B I’m sorry to hear (that) your brother failed in his exams.
AP 2 I’m sorry about your brother's failure in his exams.
AP2 Im sorry for your brother.
AP 3 I’m sorry (that) your brother failed in his exams.
AP i He’s sure to come.
[ae 2 Are you sure about (or of) that?
AP 3. I’m not sure (about) where this ought to go.
AP IB Harry is anxious to start early.
AP 1B We're anxious for Harry to start early.
AP 2 They will be anxious for news of your arrival.
AP 2 They're anxious about theiy daughter's health.
AP 3 I’m ansious that he should come.
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API Be careful not to let that vase fall.
AP2 Be careful with that vase.
AP 3 Be careful (that) you don’t drop that vase.