English Notes
Unit 7 - Women

Noun Clauses with that

Embed full statements inside sentences using that-clauses.


1. From Simple Statements to Clauses

B1 sentence: I have been living in Izmir for two years.
Embed it: I know that I have been living in Izmir for two years.

that-clauses act as nouns (subjects, objects, complements).


2. Positions of that-Clauses

FunctionExample
Object after reporting verbsShe believes that the plan will work.
Subject (formal)That the plan will work is obvious.
Complement after beThe truth is that we need more time.

Common verbs: think, know, believe, say, explain, admit, promise, hope.


3. Grammar Notes

  • Keep normal word order inside the clause (subject + verb).
  • Use the tense that fits the original statement.
  • Include adverbs or time markers as needed: They admitted that they had ignored the warning.

Punctuation

No comma between the main clause and a that-clause unless the sentence is very long or interrupted.


4. Practice

  1. Turn five standalone statements into that-clauses after reporting verbs.
  2. Write two formal sentences with a that-clause subject.
  3. Combine multiple tenses inside your clauses to report complex information.

Quick Review

  • that-clauses function as nouns inside larger sentences.
  • Use them after reporting verbs, as subjects, or as complements.
  • Maintain normal sentence order inside the clause.