Exploring the Diverse Functions of That-Clauses in English

That-Clauses in English

Different Kinds and Functions of That-Clauses

Different kinds of that-clauses serve different functions in the English language.

Post-Predicate That-Clauses

That-clauses in the post-predicate position are the most common type. These clauses typically report human speech and thoughts.

Example: I think Stuart’s gone a bit mad.

Post-predicate that-clauses controlled by adjectives are less common than those controlled by verbs.

Subject Predicative That-Clauses

When a that-clause serves as a subject predicative to a copular verb, it usually has one of three functions:

1. Describing a problem: Example: The only problem may be that the compound is difficult to remove after use.
2. Presenting reasons, results, or conclusions: Example: Our first conclusion at this point was that it is necessary to support the specification.
3. Presenting accepted truths or facts: Example: The truth is that the country now specializes more in processing and marketing.

Extraposed That-Clauses

Extraposed that-clauses often involve a main clause that reports an attitude or stance without attributing it to anybody.

Example: It is vitally important that both groups are used to support one another.

Embedded That-Clauses

That-clauses often occur in complex series, using various kinds of coordination and embedding. Post-predicate clauses can be mixed with extraposed clauses.

Post-Predicate That-Clauses in Detail

Grammatical Patterns

There are three major grammatical patterns for verbs that take a that-clause in the post-predicate position:

1. Pattern 1: verb + that-clause (e.g., agree, ask)
   Example: I didn’t agree that he should be compelled to do singing.
2. Pattern 2: verb + NP + that-clause (e.g., tell, persuade)
   Example: I persuaded myself that something awful might happen.
3. Pattern 3: verb + to NP + that-clause (e.g., suggest)
   Example: I suggested to Miss Kerrison that she sit down on the chair and wait.

Verbs Controlling Post-Predicate That-Clauses

A) Mental Verbs

Mental verbs are very common with that-clauses, reporting various mental states and attitudes. Example: I think we picked it.

The verb guess + that-clause is very common in American English conversation and fiction: Example: I guess I should probably call Mary.

B) Speech Act and Other Communication Verbs

The second common use of that-clauses is to report what someone said. Example: She said that it’s lovely to wear.

Verbs Controlling Extraposed That-Clauses

Extraposed that-clauses controlled by verbs are much less common than post-predicate that-clauses, and many fewer verbs can control extraposed clauses.

Example: It’s a wonder he’s got any business at all.

Extraposed that-clauses also occur after passive voice verbs, such as be found, be known, be assumed, be said, and be shown: Example: It can be assumed that many people are driving now.

That-Clauses Controlled by Adjectives

Adjectives Controlling Post-Predicate That-Clauses

Adjectives Controlling Extraposed That-Clauses

Discourse Choices with That-Clauses

Subject Position vs. Extraposed That-Clauses

Subject that-clauses and extraposed that-clauses are equivalent structures. In both cases, the that-clause is the logical subject of the sentence.