C1 Advanced Syntax 11 min read Difficile

Parler des sentiments avec "That" (Propositions subordonnées en That évaluatives)

Les clauses évaluatives avec that sont tes meilleures amies pour ajouter de l'émotion et du jugement à tes phrases, rendant ton anglais plus naturel et expressif.
Marquer comme appris
Entraîne-toi

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'that' clauses to link a specific fact or event to an emotional reaction or evaluative judgment.

  • Follow adjectives of emotion: 'I am delighted that you came.'
  • Follow nouns of judgment: 'The fact that he lied is shocking.'
  • Use 'should' for extra emphasis: 'It's strange that she should say that.'
👤 + ❤️/🧠 + that + [Subject + Verb]

Overview

### Overview
Au niveau C1, tu ne te contentes plus de rapporter des faits bruts ; tu exprimes ton point de vue, ton jugement ou ta réaction émotionnelle face à ces faits. Les evaluative that-clauses sont un outil indispensable pour cela. En français, nous utilisons souvent des structures comme
Il est important que...
ou
Je suis content que...
.
En anglais, la structure est très similaire, mais elle demande une maîtrise fine des nuances pour ne pas sonner scolaire. La différence entre dire The train is late (un fait) et It is frustrating that the train is late (une évaluation), c'est là que réside la maîtrise de la langue. Cette structure est le reflet d'une pensée articulée : tu ne décris pas seulement le monde, tu y réagis.
Que ce soit au café avec des amis, lors d'une présentation au bureau ou dans une discussion philosophique, savoir jongler avec ces propositions subordonnées te permet de passer d'un anglais fonctionnel à un anglais d'expert. Beaucoup de francophones, bien qu'ayant un niveau solide, se limitent à des structures trop simples comme I think it is good that.... Utiliser des adjectifs plus précis comme remarkable, essential ou alarming avec la structure that-clause te donnera cette autorité naturelle recherchée à l'oral comme à l'écrit.
### How This Grammar Works
Cette structure repose sur ce que les linguistes appellent le factive complement. En français, on parlerait de complétive factuelle. Le principe est simple : la proposition introduite par that est présentée comme une vérité établie.
Ton adjectif ou ton verbe principal sert ensuite de commentaire. Par exemple, dans It is surprising that he resigned, le fait qu'il ait démissionné n'est pas remis en cause, c'est l'émotion du locuteur (la surprise) qui est le cœur du message.
Un point crucial pour nous, francophones, est l'utilisation du dummy subject ou expletive it. En français, nous avons le pronom impersonnel il dans
Il est surprenant que...
. L'anglais utilise it exactement de la même manière.
Cependant, l'anglais privilégie souvent le principe du end-weight. Comme la proposition that-clause est longue, on la rejette à la fin de la phrase pour que le sujet it serve de simple place-holder au début. C'est plus fluide et cela permet de garder l'adjectif (l'information clé) au début de la proposition.
Contrairement aux complétives non-factuelles (comme I think that...), où l'on exprime une probabilité, ici, on ancre la phrase dans le réel. C'est cette dimension factive qui donne à ton anglais ce côté tranché, typique des locuteurs natifs qui savent exactement ce qu'ils pensent de la situation.
### Formation Pattern
Voici comment structurer tes phrases. La conjonction that est le pivot de la phrase, bien qu'elle puisse être omise à l'oral.
| Structure | Type d'adjectif | Exemple | Note |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| It + be + ADJ + that... | Jugement / Opinion | It's strange that he didn't reply. | Très courant à l'oral. |
| It + be + ADJ + that... | Nécessité / Importance | It is vital that he arrive on time. | Utilise le subjonctif ! |
| SUBJ + be + ADJ + that... | Émotion personnelle | I am glad that you came. | Attribue le sentiment au sujet. |
| SUBJ + find + it + ADJ + that... | Structure sophistiquée | I find it shocking that they lied. | Très utile au travail. |
Le Mandative Subjunctive est le piège classique pour les francophones. Quand tu utilises essential, vital, crucial, le verbe qui suit doit être à la base verbale (be, go, speak), sans conjugaison. On ne dit pas It is vital that he is here, mais It is vital that he be here.
C'est une règle formelle, mais elle est incontournable à un niveau C1.
### When To Use It
Utilise ces structures pour nuancer tes propos. Dans un cadre professionnel, au lieu de dire I think this is bad, dis It is concerning that the budget has increased. Cela déplace le focus de toi vers le problème, ce qui est beaucoup plus diplomate.
Dans un contexte académique ou analytique, c'est ta meilleure arme pour argumenter. It is evident that the data supports our hypothesis est bien plus percutant qu'une simple opinion.
À l'oral, avec tes amis, tu peux omettre le that pour gagner en fluidité : I'm so happy you could join us! au lieu de I am so happy that you could join us!. C'est une marque de naturel. Cependant, garde le that dans tes courriels formels pour éviter toute ambiguïté.
La règle d'or est la suivante : plus la structure est complexe, plus le that aide à structurer la pensée de ton interlocuteur. N'aie pas peur d'utiliser le find it + ADJ : c'est la structure préférée des natifs pour exprimer un avis tranché de manière élégante.
### Common Mistakes
  1. 1L'oubli du subjonctif (Mandative Subjunctive) : Les francophones ont tendance à conjuguer le verbe par réflexe (ex: It is important that he listens). C'est une interférence directe avec le français où l'on utilise souvent le subjonctif conjugué ("Il est important qu'il écoute"). En anglais, la base verbale est obligatoire après important, essential, etc.
  1. 1Confusion entre adjectifs en -ed et -ing : On entend souvent It is surprised that.... C'est une erreur de traduction littérale de Je suis surpris. Si le sujet est le fait (la situation), l'adjectif doit être en -ing (surprising). Si le sujet est la personne, on utilise -ed (I am surprised).
  1. 1La mauvaise place du it avec find : Beaucoup disent I find strange that he left. En anglais, le it est obligatoire pour servir de complément d'objet direct avant l'adjectif. Il faut dire : I find it strange that he left.
### Contrast With Similar Patterns
Il est important de distinguer ces structures de celles qui utilisent l'infinitif.
| Structure | Focus | Exemple |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| It is ADJ + that... | Focus sur le fait / le résultat | It's important that he works. |
| It is ADJ + to... | Focus sur l'action en général | It's important to work hard. |
La différence est subtile mais réelle : la that-clause pointe vers une personne ou un sujet spécifique, tandis que l'infinitif est une règle générale. Si tu veux donner un ordre ou un conseil ciblé, utilise that.
### Quick FAQ
  1. 1Peut-on toujours omettre that ? Non, à l'écrit formel, il est préférable de le garder pour la clarté. À l'oral, tu peux l'omettre sans problème.
  1. 1Pourquoi dit-on
    I find it interesting that...
    et pas
    I find interesting that...
    ?     Parce que le verbe find demande un objet direct. Le it représente ici le fait que tu juges intéressant.
  1. 1Le subjonctif est-il obligatoire ? Dans un anglais très informel, certains natifs utilisent l'indicatif, mais dans un contexte C1 (examen, travail, littérature), le subjonctif est la norme attendue.

Common Evaluative Structures

Structure Type Main Clause Connector Subordinate Clause Example
Adjective-led
I am relieved
that
the test is over.
I am relieved that the test is over.
Noun-led
The news
that
he won was great.
The news that he won was great.
Extraposed (It)
It is lucky
that
we found the keys.
It is lucky that we found the keys.
Formal (Should)
It is odd
that
she should say that.
It is odd that she should say that.
Subjunctive
It is vital
that
he be present.
It is vital that he be present.

Omission of 'That' in Informal Speech

Full Form (Formal) Short Form (Informal) Context
I am glad that you came.
I'm glad you came.
Friends/Family
It is a pity that it's raining.
Pity it's raining.
Casual observation
I am sure that he is right.
I'm sure he's right.
Everyday talk

Meanings

A grammatical structure where a subordinate clause starting with 'that' functions as a complement to an adjective or noun, expressing a reaction to the information in that clause.

1

Adjective Complements

Using 'that' after adjectives like 'happy', 'sad', 'surprised', or 'aware' to explain the cause of the feeling.

“I'm so glad that you could make it to the party.”

“She was unaware that the meeting had been moved.”

2

Extraposed Evaluative Clauses

Starting a sentence with 'It is [adjective] that...' to provide an objective-sounding evaluation of a fact.

“It is vital that we remain calm during the transition.”

“It's interesting that he never mentioned his previous job.”

3

Noun Complements

Using 'that' after abstract nouns like 'fact', 'idea', 'notion', or 'possibility' to define the content of that noun.

“The fact that she won didn't surprise anyone.”

“I hate the idea that we might never see them again.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Parler des sentiments avec "That" (Propositions subordonnées en That évaluatives)
Structure Exemple Fonction Omission de 'That'
It + be + Adj + that-clause
It's essential that you practice.
Évaluation impersonnelle
Souvent autorisé de manière informelle
Subject + be + Adj + that-clause
I'm relieved that the test is over.
Émotion personnelle
Généralement autorisé
Subject + Verb + that-clause
We hope that you enjoy the show.
Cognition/sentiment
Couramment omis de manière informelle
Common Adjectives
happy, sad, important, strange
Émotionnel/Jugement
S/O
Common Verbs
believe, know, regret, feel
Cognitif/Émotionnel
S/O
Formal Context
It is acknowledged that...
Déclaration objective
Moins courant

Spectre de formalité

Formel
It is a source of great pleasure that you have joined us this evening.

It is a source of great pleasure that you have joined us this evening. (Social gathering)

Neutre
I am very glad that you could come.

I am very glad that you could come. (Social gathering)

Informel
So glad you made it!

So glad you made it! (Social gathering)

Argot
Stoked you're here, man!

Stoked you're here, man! (Social gathering)

Clauses évaluatives avec 'that' : ton amplificateur d'émotions

Clauses évaluatives avec 'that'

Formation

  • It + be + Adj + that-clause It's crucial that...
  • Subject + be + Adj + that-clause I'm happy that...
  • Subject + Verb + that-clause She believes that...

Adjectifs clés

  • happy It's good that...
  • important It's vital that...
  • surprising It's shocking that...
  • regrettable It's a pity that...

Verbes clés

  • know I know that...
  • feel I feel that...
  • regret They regret that...
  • believe We believe that...

Quand les utiliser

  • Réaction émotionnelle I'm so glad that...
  • Opinion/Jugement It's ridiculous that...
  • Importance/Nécessité It's essential that...

That vs. What : le grand face-à-face

Utiliser 'That'
It's great that you came. ('That' introduit une affirmation factuelle évaluée comme géniale.)
I'm worried that it will rain. ('That' introduit la préoccupation spécifique.)
He knows that she is right. ('That' introduit le fait connu.)
Utiliser 'What'
What you said was great. ('What' signifie 'la chose qui', le sujet de 'was great'.)
I saw what you did. ('What' signifie 'la chose qui', l'objet de 'saw'.)
Tell me what you think. ('What' introduit une question, signifiant 'la chose que tu penses'.)

Dois-je utiliser une clause évaluative avec 'that' ?

1

Veux-tu exprimer un sentiment, un jugement ou une opinion ?

YES
Passe à l'étape 2
NO
Non, envisage d'autres structures (ex: des affirmations simples).
2

Ton sentiment/jugement porte-t-il sur un fait ou une situation spécifique ?

YES
Passe à l'étape 3
NO
Non, utilise peut-être un infinitif (ex: 'I'm happy to help').
3

L'évaluation est-elle impersonnelle (générale) ou personnelle (te concernant/concernant quelqu'un) ?

YES
Si impersonnelle : utilise `It + be + Adjectif + that-clause`. Si personnelle : utilise `Sujet + be + Adjectif + that-clause` ou `Sujet + Verbe + that-clause`.
NO
S/O

Contextes pour les clauses évaluatives avec 'that'

💬

Discussion quotidienne

  • • I'm so glad that...
  • • It's crazy that...
  • • I'm sure that...
🎓

Académique/Professionnel

  • • It's crucial that...
  • • We acknowledge that...
  • • It is imperative that...
📱

Communication numérique

  • • OMG, it's hilarious that...
  • • I'm relieved that...
  • • It's annoying that...
🧠

Réflexion/Expression

  • • I regret that...
  • • I believe that...
  • • It's fascinating that...
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Exemples par niveau

1

I am happy that you are here.

Estoy feliz de que estés aquí.

2

I am sad that it is raining.

Estoy triste de que esté lloviendo.

3

He is glad that you like the food.

Él se alegra de que te guste la comida.

4

Are you sure that she is home?

¿Estás seguro de que ella está en casa?

1

I'm sorry that I forgot your birthday.

Siento haber olvidado tu cumpleaños.

2

We are afraid that the shop is closed.

Tememos que la tienda esté cerrada.

3

I think that he is a good teacher.

Creo que él es un buen profesor.

4

She is surprised that you are early.

Ella está sorprendida de que llegues temprano.

1

It is important that we arrive on time.

Es importante que lleguemos a tiempo.

2

I don't like the idea that we have to pay extra.

No me gusta la idea de que tengamos que pagar extra.

3

Are you aware that the rules have changed?

¿Eres consciente de que las reglas han cambiado?

4

It's a shame that you can't come to the wedding.

Es una pena que no puedas venir a la boda.

1

I am concerned that the project is falling behind schedule.

Me preocupa que el proyecto se esté retrasando.

2

The fact that he didn't call is very strange.

El hecho de que no llamara es muy extraño.

3

It is highly likely that the prices will increase next month.

Es muy probable que los precios aumenten el próximo mes.

4

She was delighted that her hard work was finally recognized.

Ella estaba encantada de que su arduo trabajo fuera finalmente reconocido.

1

It is regrettable that the board should have reached such a hasty decision.

Es lamentable que la junta haya tomado una decisión tan apresurada.

2

The mere suggestion that he was involved in the scandal is preposterous.

La mera sugerencia de que estuvo involucrado en el escándalo es absurda.

3

I find it baffling that they still haven't addressed the underlying issue.

Me parece desconcertante que todavía no hayan abordado el problema subyacente.

4

We must not overlook the possibility that the data has been tampered with.

No debemos pasar por alto la posibilidad de que los datos hayan sido manipulados.

1

It is imperative that the witness be protected at all costs.

Es imperativo que el testigo sea protegido a toda costa.

2

The contention that economic growth is always beneficial is now being challenged.

La afirmación de que el crecimiento económico es siempre beneficioso está siendo cuestionada.

3

It is somewhat ironic that the very technology designed to connect us has made us feel more isolated.

Es algo irónico que la misma tecnología diseñada para conectarnos nos haya hecho sentir más aislados.

4

I am not unmindful of the fact that this proposal requires significant investment.

No soy ajeno al hecho de que esta propuesta requiere una inversión significativa.

Facile à confondre

Talking about feelings with "That" (Evaluative That-Clauses) vs Relative Clauses with 'That'

Learners often think every 'that' clause is a relative clause describing a noun.

Talking about feelings with "That" (Evaluative That-Clauses) vs Reported Speech

Both use 'that' clauses, but reported speech follows verbs of saying (say, tell), not adjectives of feeling.

Talking about feelings with "That" (Evaluative That-Clauses) vs Result Clauses (So... that)

Learners mix up 'I am so happy that...' (Result) with 'I am happy that...' (Complement).

Erreurs courantes

✗

I am happy because you are here.

✓

I am happy that you are here.

While 'because' is okay, 'that' is the standard way to complement an adjective of emotion.
✗

I am sure which he is coming.

✓

I am sure that he is coming.

You cannot use 'which' to introduce a complement clause.
✗

It is important that arrive on time.

✓

It is important that we arrive on time.

The 'that' clause must have its own subject.
✗

It is strange that he would say that.

✓

It is strange that he should say that.

In formal British English, 'should' is used for evaluation, not 'would'.

Structures de phrases

I am ___ that ___.

It is ___ that ___ should ___.

The ___ that ___ is ___.

I find it ___ that ___.

Real World Usage

Job Interviews very common

I am confident that my background in marketing will benefit your team.

Texting Friends constant

So happy you're coming tonight!

Academic Essays very common

The fact that the hypothesis was disproven suggests a need for further research.

Customer Complaints common

It is disappointing that the service was so slow.

Social Media Posts very common

Can't believe that it's already been a year!

News Reporting common

It is feared that many people remain trapped in the building.

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💡

Commence par 'It'

Quand tu veux faire une évaluation générale, comme 'It's crucial...' ou 'It's strange...', commence toujours par 'It + be' avant ton adjectif. C'est la base pour bien construire ta clause évaluative. "It's essential that we start now."
⚠️

Attention à 'What'

Attention, c'est une erreur très courante de dire 'what' quand tu devrais dire 'that' dans ces clauses. Souviens-toi, 'that' introduit un fait sur lequel tu réagis, alors que 'what' signifie 'la chose qui'. "I'm happy that you're here, not I'm happy what you're here."
🎯

Varie tes adjectifs

Au lieu de toujours dire 'It's good that...', essaie d'utiliser un vocabulaire plus riche. Pense à 'It's fantastic that...', 'It's beneficial that...' ou 'It's advantageous that...'. Ça rend tes expressions plus nuancées et plus naturelles. "It's wonderful that you passed your exam."
🌍

La formalité compte

Dans des contextes très formels (genre un entretien d'embauche ou un article académique), tu auras moins tendance à omettre le 'that'. Mais dans une conversation décontractée ou un SMS, le laisser tomber est tout à fait normal et même souvent préféré pour la concision.
I believe that the data supports this conclusion
(formel) vs. "I think he's right" (informel).
💡

Les verbes de cognition

Au-delà des adjectifs, beaucoup de verbes comme 'know', 'believe', 'regret' et 'feel' utilisent aussi des 'that-clauses' pour expliquer le contenu de ta pensée ou de ton émotion. 'I believe that...' ou 'I regret that...' sont super utiles !
I know that you can do it.

Smart Tips

Switch from 'I think that...' to 'It is evident that...' or 'The fact that...'.

I think the data is wrong. → It is evident that the data is inconsistent.

Recognize it as the 'putative should' used for emotional emphasis.

It's strange that he said that. → It's strange that he should say that.

Try replacing 'that' with 'which'. If it sounds like garbage, it's a complement clause.

The idea which we might fail (Garbage) → The idea that we might fail (Correct)

Delete the 'that' and the 'It is'.

It is a shame that you can't come. → Shame you can't come!

Prononciation

/ðət/

The Weak 'That'

In the middle of a sentence, 'that' is usually unstressed and pronounced with a schwa /ðət/.

I'm SUR-prised that he's HERE.

Intonation of Evaluation

The main stress usually falls on the evaluative adjective (e.g., 'SURPRISED'), while the 'that' clause has a rising-falling intonation.

Evaluative Peak

It's ↗VITAL that we ↘leave.

Emphasizes the importance of the action.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Remember 'FACT': Feelings, Adjectives, Complements, That.

Association visuelle

Imagine a bridge made of the word 'THAT' connecting a giant heart (your feelings) to a television screen showing a scene (the fact).

Rhyme

When a feeling needs a reason why, use a 'that' clause to reach the sky.

Story

A king was so 'surprised that' his crown was missing. He hated 'the fact that' a mouse had taken it. 'It was lucky that' the mouse was slow.

Word Web

SurprisedDelightedConcernedFactIdeaPossibilityShouldSubjunctive

Défi

Write three sentences about your day using 'I am glad that...', 'It is strange that...', and 'The fact that...'.

Notes culturelles

The use of 'should' in evaluative clauses (e.g., 'It's funny that you should say that') is a hallmark of polite, slightly indirect British speech.

Americans are more likely to use the subjunctive in 'that' clauses following adjectives of necessity or urgency.

Using 'The fact that...' is a standard way to introduce evidence without sounding too personal or biased.

The use of 'that' as a conjunction (complementizer) evolved from the Old English demonstrative pronoun 'þæt'.

Amorces de conversation

“

Are you surprised that technology has changed so much in ten years?

“

Do you think it's important that children learn a second language early?

“

How do you feel about the fact that remote work is becoming the norm?

“

Is it regrettable that traditional crafts are dying out?

Sujets d'écriture

Write about a time you were pleasantly surprised. Use at least three 'that' clauses.
Discuss a current news event. Use 'The fact that...' to introduce your main points.
Argue for or against a controversial policy. Use formal extraposed clauses.
Reflect on a personal mistake. Use the 'putative should' to express your reaction to your own behavior.

Erreurs courantes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Choisis la forme correcte pour compléter la phrase.

It's important ___ everyone attends the virtual meeting.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: that
Dans les clauses évaluatives, 'that' introduit l'affirmation factuelle évaluée. 'What' impliquerait 'la chose qui', ce qui ne convient pas ici.
Trouve et corrige l'erreur dans la phrase. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

I'm happy what you got the job.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I'm happy that you got the job.
Quand on exprime une émotion à propos d'un fait, on utilise 'that' pour introduire la clause, pas 'what'.
Quelle phrase utilise correctement une clause évaluative avec 'that' ? Choix multiple

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It was essential that we studied.
Les clauses évaluatives impersonnelles ont besoin de 'It + be' avant l'adjectif. Donc, 'It was essential' est correct.

Score: /3

Exercices pratiques

8 exercises
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence. Choix multiple

I am delighted ___ you decided to join us.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: that
'That' is the correct complementizer for the adjective 'delighted'.
Correct the mistake in the following sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

The fact which he failed the exam is very sad.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The fact that he failed the exam is very sad.
You must use 'that' (or nothing), never 'which', after 'the fact'.
Fill in the blank with the appropriate formal structure.

It is essential that he ___ (be) informed immediately.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: be
This is the subjunctive mood, often used after 'essential' in formal English.
Reorder the words to form a natural sentence. Sentence Reorder

strange / that / should / it / he / is / say / that

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It is strange that he should say that.
This follows the extraposed 'It is... that' pattern with the putative 'should'.
Match the adjective with the most likely 'that' clause. Match Pairs

Match the following:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I am sorry... / ...that I'm late.
These are common collocations for evaluative clauses.
Rewrite the sentence starting with 'The fact that...' Sentence Transformation

He resigned, and that surprised everyone.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The fact that he resigned surprised everyone.
This transforms a compound sentence into a complex one with a noun complement.
Is the following rule true or false? True False Rule

In informal speech, 'that' can often be omitted in evaluative clauses.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: True
Omission of 'that' is very common in casual conversation.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural option. Dialogue Completion

A: Why are you so upset? B: I'm just annoyed ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: that the bus was late again
Both 'that' and the zero-conjunction (option d) are correct, but 'that' is the most standard answer here.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Complète la phrase avec le mot le plus approprié. Texte trous

She feels strongly ___ her team delivered an excellent presentation.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: that
Identifie et corrige l'erreur grammaticale. Error Correction

We are confident what the new marketing strategy will succeed.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: We are confident that the new marketing strategy will succeed.
Sélectionne la phrase qui utilise correctement une clause évaluative avec 'that'. Choix multiple

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It's obvious he didn't prepare well.
Traduis ce qui suit en anglais naturel, en utilisant une clause avec 'that'. Traduction

Translate into English: 'Es sorprendente que el concierto se agotó tan rápido.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["It's surprising that the concert sold out so quickly.","It is surprising that the concert sold out so quickly."]
Range les mots pour former une phrase grammaticalement correcte. Sentence Reorder

Put the words in order:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I'm glad that you passed the exam.
Associe l'adjectif à sa phrase introductive appropriée pour une 'that-clause'. Match Pairs

Match the adjective with its suitable introductory phrase:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Choisis l'option correcte pour compléter la phrase. Texte trous

It was regrettable ___ they missed the opportunity to present.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: that
Traduis en anglais. Traduction

Translate into English: 'Creemos que es fundamental que los estudiantes participen.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["We believe that it is fundamental that students participate.","We believe it is fundamental that students participate."]
Remets les mots dans l'ordre pour former une phrase cohérente. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It's unfair that he wasn't chosen.
Corrige l'erreur dans la phrase suivante. Error Correction

Is essential that we leave now.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It is essential that we leave now.
Sélectionne la phrase correcte. Choix multiple

Choose the best option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I'm disappointed that the outcome wasn't better.
Associe l'émotion à un adjectif évaluatif approprié. Match Pairs

Match the emotion with a suitable adjective:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched

Score: /12

FAQ (8)

Almost always in informal speech. However, in formal writing or when the 'that' clause is long and complex, keep it to help the reader follow the structure.

'I'm happy that you're here' focuses on the fact itself as a complement to your happiness. 'I'm happy because you're here' focuses on the cause-and-effect relationship.

Some style guides suggest avoiding it if you can (e.g., 'That he lied is sad' instead of 'The fact that he lied is sad'), but in C1 level academic writing, it is a very standard way to introduce evidence.

Use it to express surprise, disbelief, or a strong emotional reaction to something that seems unlikely or strange. It's more common in British English.

No, only after 'evaluative' adjectives (feelings, certainty, necessity). You can't say 'I am tall that...'.

In American English, it's very common ('It is vital he be there'). In British English, 'should' or the indicative is more common ('It is vital that he is/should be there').

It's the process of using 'It' as a placeholder at the start of a sentence to move a heavy 'that' clause to the end, making the sentence easier to process.

Because 'the fact' isn't being described by a relative clause; the 'that' clause *is* the fact. They are one and the same.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

que + subjuntivo

Spanish uses the subjunctive for emotion; English uses the indicative or 'should'.

French moderate

que + subjonctif

French requires the subjunctive for almost all evaluative clauses.

German high

dass-Satz

German has strict verb-final word order in the 'dass' clause.

Japanese low

こと (koto) / の (no)

Japanese uses nominalization rather than a conjunction like 'that'.

Arabic moderate

أنّ (anna)

Arabic often requires a preposition before the 'that' equivalent.

Chinese low

Juxtaposition / 的 (de)

Chinese lacks a direct equivalent to the 'that' complementizer.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Next
Strong vs. Heavy : Choisir les bonnes associations de mots

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