質問: 文法的解説をお願いします in november, my co-worker “sara” experienced the horrible tragedy of her youngest child’s suicide. “jeff” was a nice kid, straight-a student, popular at his high school, and the last person you’d ever expect to harm himself. sara is obviously devastated, and since she’s been back to work, comments frequently that if she only knew why (he didn’t leave a note) that she might be able to have some closure. comments frequently that if she only knew why (he didn’t leave a note) that she might be able to have some closure. that she might beのthatは何でしょうか?そのthatがない方がif構文になるような気がするのですが。。よろしくお願いします
回答: この場合whyが”理由”と言うような名詞として使われていると思います。そのwhyを関係代名詞thatで受けて、どのような”理由”かを説明しています。 comments frequently that if she only knew why that she might be able to have some closure. "彼女が少しでも(心の)終息できるかも知れないような理由(why) だけでも知ることができたらとしょっちゅう口にする”