When to Use That Clause in English: A Complete Guide

Understanding when to use that clause in English is essential for clear and effective communication. Whether in writing or speaking, “that clauses” help introduce important ideas, clarify meaning, and structure complex sentences. This guide explains the rules, provides 100 examples, tips for competitive exams, FAQs, and practical usage insights.

Introduction to When to Use That Clause in English

Knowing when to use that clause in English is important for students, professionals, and competitive exam candidates. A “that clause” works as a connector in a sentence, usually after reporting verbs, adjectives, or nouns. It helps to express complete thoughts, report speech, or show opinions clearly. This article explains rules, gives 100 examples, tips, and FAQs.

What is a “That Clause”?

A that clause is a type of subordinate clause that usually begins with the word that and functions as a noun clause in a sentence. It often answers what someone thinks, believes, feels, or says.

Example:

  • She said that she was happy.

100 Examples of When to Use That Clause in English

A. After Reporting Verbs

  1. I think that you are right.
  2. She said that she was busy.
  3. He believes that honesty matters.
  4. We know that the Earth is round.
  5. They hope that it will rain soon.
  6. I heard that the train was late.
  7. She admitted that she made a mistake.
  8. He denied that he broke the vase.
  9. I suppose that you have finished.
  10. She imagined that she could fly.
  11. He explained that the class was canceled.
  12. They agreed that the plan was good.
  13. She confirmed that the meeting is tomorrow.
  14. I remember that you were absent yesterday.
  15. He mentioned that he met your friend.
  16. She promised that she would help.
  17. They complained that the food was cold.
  18. I realized that I forgot my keys.
  19. He discovered that the answer was wrong.
  20. She noticed that he was nervous.

B. After Adjectives

  1. I am sure that he will pass the exam.
  2. She is glad that you visited.
  3. They are confident that the project will succeed.
  4. He is proud that his son won the medal.
  5. I am surprised that she agreed so quickly.
  6. She is happy that the results are positive.
  7. He is sad that his friend left.
  8. We are certain that this is the right way.
  9. I am worried that the weather will be bad.
  10. She is angry that they ignored her.
  11. He is grateful that you helped him.
  12. We are relieved that the storm is over.
  13. I am confident that you can do this.
  14. She is disappointed that he forgot her birthday.
  15. He is hopeful that things will improve.
  16. We are shocked that the news was true.
  17. I am thankful that I have good friends.
  18. She is nervous that the exam is near.
  19. He is excited that his team won.
  20. They are pleased that you came early.

C. After Nouns

  1. The fact is that he was late.
  2. The news is that prices are rising.
  3. The idea is that we work together.
  4. The truth is that she lied.
  5. The rumor is that they are getting married.
  6. The possibility is that it might snow.
  7. The assumption is that everyone agrees.
  8. The hope is that peace will come soon.
  9. The reason is that he missed the bus.
  10. The problem is that we have no time.
  11. The fact is that hard work brings success.
  12. The truth is that practice makes perfect.
  13. The evidence shows that he was innocent.
  14. The belief is that honesty is best.
  15. The reality is that nothing is easy.
  16. The proof is that the answer is correct.
  17. The assumption is that money can buy happiness.
  18. The fear is that the plan may fail.
  19. The claim is that he invented it.
  20. The reason is that we were delayed.

D. In Indirect Speech

  1. He said that he was tired.
  2. She told me that she would call.
  3. They informed us that the train was late.
  4. He explained that he had been busy.
  5. She replied that she did not know.
  6. He announced that the match was canceled.
  7. They reported that the road was closed.
  8. She asked me that I wait outside.
  9. He reminded me that the deadline was near.
  10. She insisted that we follow the rules.
  11. He stated that he was innocent.
  12. She mentioned that her brother was abroad.
  13. He confessed that he stole the book.
  14. She whispered that she was scared.
  15. He warned me that it might rain.
  16. She told us that she was happy.
  17. He explained that the answer was wrong.
  18. She added that she liked coffee.
  19. He declared that he won the race.
  20. She suggested that we try again.

E. Mixed Complex Sentences

  1. It is clear that they worked hard.
  2. It is important that you attend the meeting.
  3. It is true that he made mistakes.
  4. It is obvious that she is talented.
  5. It is likely that we will be late.
  6. It is possible that the exam will be postponed.
  7. It is certain that practice improves skills.
  8. It is necessary that you study daily.
  9. It is strange that nobody noticed.
  10. It is amazing that the child can sing so well.
  11. Everyone knows that health is wealth.
  12. Teachers say that reading improves knowledge.
  13. Doctors advise that exercise is important.
  14. People believe that love conquers all.
  15. History shows that wars cause suffering.
  16. Scientists agree that climate change is real.
  17. Parents hope that children succeed.
  18. Students learn that grammar is essential.
  19. Writers know that words have power.
  20. Leaders accept that responsibility is heavy.

Tips for Students and Competitive Exam Candidates

  • Grammar Tip: Always check subject-verb agreement in the that clause.
  • Exam Tip: “That clause” often appears in error spotting and reported speech questions.
  • Writing Tip: Use that clauses to make formal writing clearer.
  • Speaking Tip: That clauses make your speech more natural and fluent.
  • Avoid Repetition: In spoken English, sometimes “that” is dropped, but in exams, keep it for correctness.

FAQs on When to Use That Clause in English

Q1. What is the main function of a that clause?
A that clause functions as a noun clause and usually reports ideas, facts, or statements.

Q2. Can we drop “that” in a sentence?
Yes, in spoken English it’s common: “I think he is right” instead of “I think that he is right.” But in formal writing and exams, keeping “that” is safer.

Q3. Is “that clause” important for competitive exams?
Yes. Many English grammar exams test indirect speech, error correction, and sentence completion using that clauses.

Conclusion on When to Use That Clause in English

Learning when to use that clause in English improves grammar, writing, and communication. From reporting speech to expressing opinions, that clauses are essential for building complex but clear sentences. Students preparing for exams must practice them regularly to avoid common errors.

Disclaimer on When to Use That Clause in English

This article is for educational purposes only. Examples are simplified for learners and exam candidates. For advanced usage, consult detailed grammar references.

Also Read: How to Use Enough vs Too in English – Complete Guide with 100 Examples

When to Use Much vs Many vs A Lot – Complete Guide with 100 Examples

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