In the sentence “What is revolutionary about the emerging science of gut-brain communication is that we are now grasping a new understanding of disease, health, and mental well-being, based on an ecological view of our bodies,” the use of the word ‘What’ serves a unique grammatical function. In this article, we’ll break down this structure to better understand how it works and why it’s effective in communicating complex ideas.
The Role of ‘What’ in the Sentence
‘What’ is acting as a noun clause introducer in this sentence. It introduces a clause that functions as the subject of the sentence. This usage of ‘What’ helps to highlight the concept or idea that is being described as revolutionary. The sentence could be rewritten as “The revolutionary aspect of the emerging science of gut-brain communication is that we are now grasping…” The word ‘What’ simplifies the sentence by incorporating this concept as the subject in a more direct way.
Grammatical Function: Noun Clause
The phrase ‘What is revolutionary about the emerging science of gut-brain communication’ is a noun clause. A noun clause can act as the subject or object in a sentence, and in this case, it is the subject. The clause provides information about what is being considered revolutionary, focusing on the emerging science of gut-brain communication and its connection to understanding disease and well-being.
Why Use ‘What’ in This Context?
Using ‘What’ in this context allows the speaker or writer to emphasize the concept or idea being discussed rather than focusing on a specific noun or subject. It serves to generalize or broaden the idea, making it more inclusive and open-ended. This structure is often used in formal or academic writing to express complex or abstract ideas in a more digestible form.
Alternative Sentence Structures
Without ‘What,’ the sentence could become more cumbersome: “The revolutionary aspect of the emerging science of gut-brain communication is the fact that we are now grasping…” The sentence is still understandable, but the inclusion of ‘What’ streamlines the expression and focuses the reader’s attention on the key concept. This makes the sentence more concise and fluid, enhancing readability.
Conclusion: The Power of ‘What’ in Grammar
The use of ‘What’ in this sentence showcases how English grammar allows for flexibility and precision in expressing complex ideas. By using ‘What,’ the writer can succinctly present an important concept and provide clarity on a subject that might otherwise be difficult to introduce. Understanding these grammatical structures can help you craft better sentences and enhance your writing skills.
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