This message was originally submitted by [log in to unmask] to the ATEG list a Eric, I think your problem with these sentences is that number 1 is a noun clause and number 2 is a relative clause. The who(m) in 1 is a subordinate conjunction as well as the object of SAW. The who(m) in 2 is simply a relative pronoun in a restrictive relative clause. Since it functins as the object of SAW, you can delete it. I hope this explanation helps. Max Morenberg English Departmen Miami University Oxford, OH 45056 [log in to unmask] >hi, > Could someone help me out here with this grammar lesson. I teach >English >as a second language: > >in the following two sentences: > >"I don't know who(m) I saw last night". > >"I like the girl who(m) i saw last night. > >ok, the above two, to my feeble understanding, both contain relative >clauses which are, >1-defining >2-and both have the relative pronoun as object > >therefore they should, in both cases, be capable of being omitted. Doesn't >seem to work with sentence one. >ok, so it looks like, in sentence one, that the relative clause is the >object of the verb itself (know), but still, isn't it a relative clause the >object of the verb "saw" being "who(m)?? > >thanks, eric Eric, I think your problem with these sentences is that number 1 is a noun clause and number 2 is a relative clause. The who(m) in 1 is a subordinate conjunction as well as the object of SAW. The who(m) in 2 is simply a relative pronoun in a restrictive relative clause. Since it functins as the object of SAW, you can delete it. I hope this explanation helps. Max Morenberg English Departmen Miami University Oxford, OH 45056 [log in to unmask]