That-clause
Definition
A that-clause is a finite subordinate clause introduced by that. It can function as a complement after a verb, adjective, or noun, and it can also function as a subject or be postponed after introductory it.
Examples
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Maya believes that the plan will work.
The clause completes the meaning of believes.
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I am glad that you came.
The clause complements the adjective glad.
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The fact that the door was open worried Leo.
The clause complements the noun fact.
That-clause vs. relative clause
Maya said that the report was ready.
That introduces the content of what Maya said and has no role inside the clause.
The report that Maya wrote was ready.
That refers back to the report and functions as the object of wrote.
Complementizer that links a complete proposition to another word. Relative that refers to a preceding noun and has a grammatical role inside its clause.
That can sometimes be omitted
After common verbs of saying, thinking, and knowing, that is often omitted when the clause functions as an object. It is normally retained when omission would be awkward, unclear, or impossible.
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I think the meeting starts at nine.
The object that-clause is understood even though that is omitted.
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That the meeting was cancelled surprised everyone.
Initial subject that-clauses retain that.
Common mistakes
Maya believes that will work the plan.
Maya believes that the plan will work.
Use statement word order inside a that-clause.
The fact the door was open worried Leo.
The fact that the door was open worried Leo.
Retaining that after a noun such as fact makes the complement relationship clear.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which expression is a that-clause complement?
The finite proposition is introduced by complementizer that.Which sentence contains relative that rather than complementizer that?
In the first sentence, that refers to the book and is the object of recommended.Where is omission of that most natural?
Object clauses after common thinking verbs often omit that.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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