10.43 USAGE NOTE

After adjectives like 'funny', 'odd', and 'strange', a clause beginning with 'how' is sometimes used instead of a 'that'-clause, with the same meaning.

• It's funny how they don't get on.
• It is really wonderful how the time has gone.
• It's queer how you dig things up.

'What'-clauses can be used after similar adjectives when you want to comment on something that is the object of an action.

• It's surprising what you can dig up.
• It's amazing what some of them would do for a little publicity.

'Why'-clauses can be used after adjectives such as 'obvious' and 'clear' when you want to comment on how clear the reason for something is.

• Looking back on these cases, it is clear why the unions distrust the law.

'Whether'-clauses can be used after adjectives such as 'doubtful' and 'irrelevant' when you want to comment on something that may or may not be true.

• It is doubtful whether supply could ever have kept up with consumption.