LoginThat-clauses
In this lesson we learn about content clauses, which are essential groups of words introduced by "that" and contain a subject and a verb, used to add information to a sentence. Clear explanations and practice exercises to help you learn.
Content Clauses: Type
There are two types of content clauses in English:
Indicative content clauses
Interrogative content clauses
Indicative Content Clauses
Indicative content clauses are introduced by the complementizer 'that' and as the title suggests, report a fact or make a statement. Here are some examples:
The truth is that we failed.
They confirmed that the project is done.
Interrogative Content Clauses
Interrogative content clauses are introduced by 'if' or 'whether' and are in the form of indirect questions or negative sentences that indicate a lack of knowledge. For example:
She wonders if it will rain.
It depends on whether she agrees.
Content Clauses: Functions
As already mentioned, content clauses act as a noun; therefore, they can be:
Complements (direct object, subject complement, noun complement, adjective complement)
Content Clause as a Direct Object
A content clause can function as a direct object in a sentence. Many types of verbs in English need content clauses as their direct objects. There are three categories of verbs that can be followed by a content clause:
Reporting verbs: say, tell, ask, report, explain, mention, inform, claim, reply, suggest, admit, repeat, argue, state, confirm, remark, and comment
Cognition verbs: think, believe, wonder, know, understand, realize, remember, expect, guess, hope, doubt, pretend, forget, complain, and decide
Perception verbs: hear, see, observe, notice, recognize, feel and perceive
Content clauses can function as a direct object in two contexts:
Direct object with mono-transitive verbs: A mono-transitive verb takes a single direct object. For example:
She believes (that) you are honest.
As you can see, the content clause (that you are honest) serves as the direct object of the verb "believe", which is a mono-transitive verb.
We agreed (that) the wedding would be held in September.
As you can see, the content clause serves as the direct object of the mono-transitive verb "agree".
I wonder if it's true.
Direct object with ditransitive verbs: a ditransitive verb takes both a direct object and an indirect object. Take a look at these examples:
You promised me (that) you'd always be there for me.
Here, this verb is followed by an indirect object (me) plus a content clause acting as the direct object.
She reminded her daughter (that) they still had several people to see. (Not 'She reminded that they had...')
He asked them whether they agreed.
Tip!
Some reporting verbs can take a prepositional phrase as their indirect object and a content clause as their direct object. Take a look at some examples:
Thank you for explaining to me (that) I needed to apologize to my brother.
He mentioned to John (that) he was having problems.
Omission of 'That'
You can omit 'that' from content clauses which serve as a direct object without causing any ambiguity, especially in informal speech and writing. However, when used as the object of verbs like 'reply' and 'shout', 'that' cannot be removed. For example:
She replied that she couldn't make it to the meeting. (NOT "she replied she couldn't...")
He shouted that he had won the game. (NOT "he shouted he had won the game.")
Content Clause as a Complement
A content clause can function as a complement in a sentence when it provides additional information about the subject or another noun or adjective and helps complete the meaning of the sentence. These are the three primary roles for content clauses when used as complements:
Subject complement: Content clauses can be used as subject complements (also called predicate nominatives or predicate nouns). We cannot omit 'that' in this usage. Examples of content clauses as subject complements include the following:
The fact is that divorce rate was twice as high as in the 1950s.
The question is whether he will keep his promise.
Adjective complement: A content clause can also function as an adjective complement when it provides additional information about the adjective. In this case, you can omit 'that' without causing ambiguity or loss of clarity. For example:
I am happy (that) you are successful.
I'm not sure whether it's a good idea.
Noun complement: Content clauses can serve as complements to nouns, typically appearing immediately after the noun they complement. You will frequently encounter them following reporting nouns such as 'fact,' 'comment,' 'remark,' 'statement,' 'claim,' 'argument,' 'response,' and more. For example:
Her comment that the presentation was impressive caught my attention.
The question whether we should proceed remains unresolved.
Warning
We cannot use content clauses directly after prepositions. If we have to put a content clause after a preposition, we use the expression 'the fact' before 'that'. For example:
I'm not interested in the fact that you want a new car.
I am sure of the fact that this plan of yours won't work.
Content Clause as a Subject
Using content clauses as subjects is somewhat uncommon in English because English speakers tend to place the verb early in the sentence, and long subjects like content clauses are usually placed at the end or replaced with the dummy pronoun "it". For example:
That you still live with your parents is perhaps not surprising.
It is more common to say "It is perhaps not surprising that you still live with your parents.
Whether the data is accurate remains unknown.
Or "It is unknown whether the data is accurate."
When used as the subject, we cannot omit 'that', because 'that' marks the clause as subordinate and prevents the listener from interpreting it as the main clause.
That he's only 17 was shocking to me. (Not 'that he's only 17 was shocking to me.')
Verbs Allowing Content Clauses as Subjects
Verbs that allow a content clause as subjects include:
Descriptive verbs: be/remain + expressive adjectives, such as, clear, alarming, disgusting, etc.
Expressive Verbs: amaze, amuse, anger, disgust, disturb, etc. (only declarative content clauses)
Take a look at some examples:
That Tolkien was a literary genius is clear to us.
Whether it's true is unknown.
Content Clause Agreement
A singular content clause needs a singular verb. Two (or more) content clauses coordinated by 'and' need plural verbs.
That we are losing social values is/was my concern.
That we are losing social values and that young people need to appreciate values are/were my concerns.
Quiz:
Which of the following sentences correctly demonstrates the structure of a that-clause?
It is obvious that you a talent for storytelling.
She managed to solve the puzzle so quickly surprised everyone.
It was obvious that had worked hard to win the championship.
He hopes that she will arrive on time.
Sort the words to make a sentence.
Fill in the table with the function of that-clauses in the given sentences.
| Sentence | Function of That-clause |
|---|---|
He said the meeting would start at noon. | |
The problem is that nobody pays attention. | |
That she won the race impressed everyone. | |
The comment that they did well made them happy. | |
I am sorry that you feel that way. |
Which sentence correctly demonstrates a that-clause acting as a direct object?
That the meeting will be held tomorrow is confirmed.
She reminded her friend that they had an appointment.
The problem is that no one knows the answer.
Her statement that the room was too small surprised everyone.
Which of the following is NOT true about that-clauses?
That-clauses can function as direct objects of verbs such as "believe" and "agree."
That-clauses cannot be used as complements of adjectives.
"That" can often be omitted in direct object that-clauses in informal contexts.
A singular that-clause must take a singular verb.
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