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TimR
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Compare:

{I can't tell you} { {how long it is} (that) {the baby has had this bump on his head} }.

{I can't tell you} { {how glad I am} (that) {I came here instead} }.

{I can't tell you} { {how doubtful we are} (that) {the legislation will pass} }.

The finite clause ending the sentences complements the middle expression, the how-clause.

That middle expression with its complement in turn complements the main clause, I can't tell you.

TimR
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