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← Grammar reference

VERBS

That-clauses

After verbs like think, know, hope and say, and after adjectives like sure and glad, you can put a whole sentence. That is optional, and the sentence keeps statement word order.

with thatwithout that
+I think that she is at home.I think she is at home.
−He said that he didn't know.He said he didn't know.
?Do you think that it will rain?Do you think it will rain?

No comma before that · Statement order inside: I know she is busy, not I know is she busy · That is needed after it's + adjective in writing

A2

Think, know, hope + clause

New

After think, know, hope, believe or hear, add a sentence. You can drop that, and you never put a comma before it.

subject+ think / know / hope+ (that)+ subject + verb

  • I think that the film begins at eight.
  • I hope you can come on Friday.
  • I think, that she is a good teacher.
  • I think (that) she is a good teacher.

Quick Check

1/4

Type the answer

One word is in the wrong form. Type the correct form.

I hope you to come on Friday.

A2

Tell me that / say that

New

Tell needs a person: tell me that. Say has no person after it: say that, or say to me that.

subject+ told+ me / him+ that+ sentence

  • My mother told me that dinner is ready.
  • He says that the shop is closed.
  • She said me that she was busy.
  • She told me that she was busy.

Quick Check

1/4

Type the answer

One word is in the wrong form. Type the correct form.

He said me that he was tired.

A2

I'm sure / glad that…

New

After be + sure, glad, sorry, afraid or happy, you can add that and a sentence.

subject+ am / is + adjective+ (that)+ subject + verb

  • I'm sure you will love it.
  • She is glad that you can come.
  • I'm sure that will you love it.
  • I'm sure that you will love it.

Quick Check

1/4

Choose the form

I'm sure   like it.

B1

Explain / suggest to me that…

New

Explain, say, suggest and mention need to before the person: explain to me that.

subject+ explained+ to me+ that+ sentence

  • She explained to me that the room was full.
  • He suggested to us that we leave early.
  • She explained me that the shop was closed.
  • She explained to me that the shop was closed.

Quick Check

1/4

Choose the form

He said   that he was late.

B1

It's important / great that…

New

To give an opinion about a situation, use It's + adjective + that + sentence. English needs it at the start.

It+ is+ adjective+ that+ sentence

  • It's important that you take breaks.
  • It's great that you have a new job!
  • Is great that you have a new job.
  • It's great that you have a new job.

Quick Check

1/4

Choose the form

It's   that you take breaks.