Verb + that-clause
Definition
A verb + that-clause pattern uses a verb followed by a finite clause introduced by that. The clause commonly gives the content of a thought, statement, belief, report, discovery, or feeling.
Examples
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Maya believes that the plan will work.
The clause gives the content of Maya's belief.
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Leo admitted that he had made a mistake.
The clause reports what Leo admitted.
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We discovered that the door was unlocked.
The clause gives the information discovered.
That-clause vs. to-infinitive
Maya hopes that Leo will arrive early.
The clause has its own subject, Leo.
Maya hopes to arrive early.
Maya is understood as the subject of both verbs.
A that-clause can introduce a separate subject and finite verb. A to-infinitive often shares its understood subject with the main clause.
That is often optional after common verbs
After verbs such as think, say, believe, and know, that is often omitted in ordinary usage. It is retained when it improves clarity, prevents a difficult reading, or fits a more formal style.
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I think Maya is right.
The object that-clause is understood even though that is omitted.
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Leo confirmed that the payment had been received.
Retaining that clearly marks the start of the clause.
Common mistakes
Maya believes that will work the plan.
Maya believes that the plan will work.
Use statement word order inside a that-clause.
Leo suggested Maya to wait.
Leo suggested that Maya wait.
Suggest normally takes a that-clause or an -ing complement, not object + to-infinitive.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence contains a verb followed by a that-clause?
That the office was closed gives the content of what Maya said.Which sentence has correct word order inside the clause?
A that-clause uses statement order.Where is omission of that natural?
Object clauses after common thinking verbs often omit that.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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