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.'
Overview
I am happy. や The news was surprising. のように、感情を述べる文と事実を述べる文を分けて構成することが多いでしょう。しかし、C1レベルでは、これらを一つの高度な文構造に統合することが求められます。例えば、The company lost money.（会社が赤字を出した）という事実に、自分の評価を加えたい場合、単に I think it is bad. と言うのではなく、It is worrying that the company lost money.（会社が赤字を出したことは懸念すべきことだ）や、I am relieved that the loss wasn't bigger.（損失がそれ以上大きくなかったことに安堵している）といった表現を使います。that 節の中に閉じ込め、それに対する自分の「立ち位置」を主節で示すこの手法をマスターすることで、あなたの英語はよりネイティブスピーカーに近い、深みのあるものへと進化します。本稿では、日本語と英語の構造的な違いを意識しながら、この高度な構文の細部まで徹底的に解説していきます。that 節において、that 以下に続く内容は、話し手や聞き手にとって「既に確定した事実」として扱われます。これを言語学では「事実補文（Factive complement）」と呼びます。It is surprising that the CEO resigned. という文を見てみましょう。ここで that the CEO resigned（CEOが辞任したこと）は、議論の余地のない事実として提示されています。話し手の関心は「辞任したかどうか」ではなく、その事実に対する「驚き（surprising）」という評価に向けられています。これは、I think that the CEO will resign.（CEOは辞任すると思う）のような、内容の真偽が不確定な「非事実補文」とは根本的に異なります。that 節に相当します。しかし、英語特有のルールとして「形式主語の it（Expletive it）」の存在があります。That the CEO resigned のように長くなると、文のバランスが悪くなるため、便宜上の主語として it を置き、真の主語である that 節を文末に移動させます。日本語は述語（驚きだ、残念だ）が最後にくる言語ですが、英語は結論（評価）を先に述べる SVO 型の論理構造を持っているため、この形式主語のパターンが非常に多用されます。that 節には、主に3つの型があります。それぞれのニュアンスと使い分けを整理しましょう。It + be + Adjective + that-clauseIt + be + ADJ + that... | 判断・評価 (remarkable, strange, fortunate) | It is remarkable that she completed the marathon. | その事実に対する客観的な驚嘆。 |essential, vital, crucial) | It is vital that the data be accurate. | 非常に重要であることを強調（仮定法現在）。 |clear, obvious, evident) | It was obvious that the plan had failed. | 証拠に基づいた客観的な結論。 |alarming, disappointing, sad) | It is alarming that prices are rising so fast. | 社会的な懸念や反応を示す。 |essential, vital, important, necessary などの「必要性・提案」を表す形容詞の後の that 節です。この場合、節内の動詞は主語に関わらず原形になります。- Correct:
It is essential that he be informed. - Incorrect:
It is essential that he is informed.
should be を使うことも一般的ですが、アメリカ英語やフォーマルな書き言葉では原形が好まれます。Subject + be + Adjective + that-clauseSUBJ + be + ADJ + that... | 肯定的感情 (happy, relieved, delighted) | I am relieved that you arrived safely. | 安堵の気持ちを直接伝える。 |sorry, worried, annoyed) | We are sorry that the event was cancelled. | 謝罪や懸念の表明。 |sure, aware, confident) | I am confident that we will succeed. | 自分の内面的な確信。 |find を使った高度な構文があります。- 評価の動詞:
I regret that I couldn't attend.（出席できなかったことを後悔している/残念に思う） find it + ADJ + that構文:I find it interesting that the results vary.（結果が異なることを興味深く思う）- この
itは形式目的語です。日本語の「〜ということを（面白いと）思う」という感覚に最も近い、非常に洗練された表現です。
It is + ADJ + that... を使います。I think the results are significant.（主観的）It is significant that the results remained consistent across all groups.（客観的・分析的）
Subject + be + ADJ + that... は、相手への配慮を示しつつ事実を伝えるのに最適です。I'm concerned that we haven't met the target.（目標未達を懸念しています）We are pleased that the partnership has been finalized.（提携の成立を喜ばしく思います）
We finalized the partnership. と言うよりも、組織としての前向きな姿勢を付加できます。I'm happy だけでは伝わらない、複雑な感情を表現できます。例えば、試験に合格した友人に対して：I'm thrilled that you passed!（合格して、自分のことのようにワクワクしているよ！）I'm relieved that your hard work paid off.（努力が報われて、ホッとしたよ。）
thrilled vs relieved）を使い分けることで、共感の質を変化させることができます。that の省略）that を省略してリズムを良くすることが一般的です。I'm so glad you came.（来てくれて本当に嬉しい）
that を明示するのが基本です。It is important that he goes... と言いたくなってしまいます。- Mistake:
It is vital that she submits the report on time. - Correction:
It is vital that she submit the report on time.
that 節と to 不定詞の混同It is important to finish the task.（一般論として、終わらせることが大事）It is important that you finish the task.（「あなたが」終わらせることが大事）- Mistake:
It is important that to finish the task.（二つの構造が混ざっている）
that 節を使いましょう。find 構文での it の欠落it を忘れるケースが非常に多いです。- Mistake:
I find strange that he didn't call. - Correction:
I find it strange that he didn't call.
find と strange（形容詞）の間に、必ず it という「クッション」を置く必要があります。-ed と -ing の形容詞の使い分けミス- Mistake:
It is pleased that you are here. - Correction:
It is pleasing that you are here./I am pleased that you are here.
-ing）」のか、「人が（その事象によって）喜んでいる状態（-ed）」なのかを厳密に区別します。It を主語にする場合は、原則として -ing 形（または surprising, alarming など）を使います。It is surprising that he failed. | 事実に対する評価。失敗したことは既知の事実。 |I think that he will fail. | 個人の推測・意見。失敗するかどうかは不明。 |It seems that he failed. | 外見上の推測・判断。事実かどうか断定を避けている。 |The fact is that he failed. | 感情を交えない事実の提示。客観的な報告。 |Evaluative That-Clause は「事実は動かないもの」として受け入れた上で、そこに「価値判断」を加えるという、非常に成熟した大人のコミュニケーション手段なのです。that 節の中で should を使ってもいいですか？It is essential that he should go. のように should を入れるのが一般的で、丁寧な響きになります。アメリカ英語では should を省略した原形（仮定法現在）が好まれます。どちらも正解ですが、一貫性を持たせることが大切です。It is... that 構文で、is 以外の動詞は使えますか？seems や appears も使えます。It seems strange that they haven't replied.（彼らが返信してこないのは、奇妙に思える）のように、少し控えめな評価にしたい時に便利です。that 節を続けられますか？tall や blue のような純粋な描写形容詞は使えません。あくまで「話し手の主観的な評価、感情、判断、確信」を表す形容詞（good, bad, strange, important, sure など）に限定されます。It is a pity that... と It is disappointing that... はどう違いますか？It is a pity that... は、自分ではどうしようもない不運な出来事に対して「気の毒だ、残念だ」という同情に近いニュアンスです。一方、It is disappointing that... は、期待していたことが裏切られた時の「がっかりした」という個人的な落胆が強くなります。文脈に合わせて使い分けましょう。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.
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.”
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.”
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
| パターン | 例文 | 機能 | that の省略 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
It + be + Adj + that節
|
It's essential that you practice.
|
客観的・非個人的な評価
|
カジュアルなら省略可
|
|
Subject + be + Adj + that節
|
I'm relieved that the test is over.
|
個人的な感情の吐露
|
一般的に省略可能
|
|
Subject + Verb + that節
|
We hope that you enjoy the show.
|
思考や感情の内容説明
|
口語ではよく省略される
|
|
よく使われる形容詞
|
happy, sad, important, strange
|
感情や判断を表現する
|
N/A
|
|
よく使われる動詞
|
believe, know, regret, feel
|
認識や感情を伝える
|
N/A
|
|
フォーマルな文脈
|
It is acknowledged that...
|
客観的な事実認定
|
省略は避けるべき
|
フォーマル度スペクトル
It is a source of great pleasure that you have joined us this evening. (Social gathering)
I am very glad that you could come. (Social gathering)
So glad you made it! (Social gathering)
Stoked you're here, man! (Social gathering)
評価のthat節：感情の増幅器
文の構成
- It + be + 形容詞 + that節 It's crucial that...
- 主語 + be + 形容詞 + that節 I'm happy that...
- 主語 + 動詞 + that節 She believes that...
主要な形容詞
- 喜び・良し悪し It's good that...
- 重要性 It's vital that...
- 驚き It's shocking that...
- 遺憾・残念 It's a pity that...
主要な動詞
- 知識 I know that...
- 感覚 I feel that...
- 後悔 They regret that...
- 信念 We believe that...
使用シーン
- 感情的な反応 I'm so glad that...
- 意見・判断 It's ridiculous that...
- 重要性・必要性 It's essential that...
That vs. What：究極の対決
評価のthat節を使うべき？
感情、判断、または意見を表現したいですか？
その感情などは、特定の事実や状況に対するものですか？
その評価は客観的（一般的）ですか、それとも主観的（自分について）ですか？
評価のthat節が活躍するコンテキスト
日常のチャット
- • I'm so glad that...
- • It's crazy that...
- • I'm sure that...
学術・ビジネス
- • It's crucial that...
- • We acknowledge that...
- • It is imperative that...
デジタル通信
- • OMG, it's hilarious that...
- • I'm relieved that...
- • It's annoying that...
内省・自己表現
- • I regret that...
- • I believe that...
- • It's fascinating that...
レベル別の例文
I am happy that you are here.
Estoy feliz de que estés aquí.
I am sad that it is raining.
Estoy triste de que esté lloviendo.
He is glad that you like the food.
Él se alegra de que te guste la comida.
Are you sure that she is home?
¿Estás seguro de que ella está en casa?
I'm sorry that I forgot your birthday.
Siento haber olvidado tu cumpleaños.
We are afraid that the shop is closed.
Tememos que la tienda esté cerrada.
I think that he is a good teacher.
Creo que él es un buen profesor.
She is surprised that you are early.
Ella está sorprendida de que llegues temprano.
It is important that we arrive on time.
Es importante que lleguemos a tiempo.
I don't like the idea that we have to pay extra.
No me gusta la idea de que tengamos que pagar extra.
Are you aware that the rules have changed?
¿Eres consciente de que las reglas han cambiado?
It's a shame that you can't come to the wedding.
Es una pena que no puedas venir a la boda.
I am concerned that the project is falling behind schedule.
Me preocupa que el proyecto se esté retrasando.
The fact that he didn't call is very strange.
El hecho de que no llamara es muy extraño.
It is highly likely that the prices will increase next month.
Es muy probable que los precios aumenten el próximo mes.
She was delighted that her hard work was finally recognized.
Ella estaba encantada de que su arduo trabajo fuera finalmente reconocido.
It is regrettable that the board should have reached such a hasty decision.
Es lamentable que la junta haya tomado una decisión tan apresurada.
The mere suggestion that he was involved in the scandal is preposterous.
La mera sugerencia de que estuvo involucrado en el escándalo es absurda.
I find it baffling that they still haven't addressed the underlying issue.
Me parece desconcertante que todavía no hayan abordado el problema subyacente.
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.
It is imperative that the witness be protected at all costs.
Es imperativo que el testigo sea protegido a toda costa.
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.
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.
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.
間違えやすい
Learners often think every 'that' clause is a relative clause describing a noun.
Both use 'that' clauses, but reported speech follows verbs of saying (say, tell), not adjectives of feeling.
Learners mix up 'I am so happy that...' (Result) with 'I am happy that...' (Complement).
よくある間違い
I am happy because you are here.
I am happy that you are here.
I am sure which he is coming.
I am sure that he is coming.
It is important that arrive on time.
It is important that we arrive on time.
It is strange that he would say that.
It is strange that he should say that.
文型パターン
I am ___ that ___.
It is ___ that ___ should ___.
The ___ that ___ is ___.
I find it ___ that ___.
Real World Usage
I am confident that my background in marketing will benefit your team.
So happy you're coming tonight!
The fact that the hypothesis was disproven suggests a need for further research.
It is disappointing that the service was so slow.
Can't believe that it's already been a year!
It is feared that many people remain trapped in the building.
It で会話をスタートさせよう
What との混同に注意！
形容詞のバリエーションを増やそう
フォーマル度の使い分け
認知を表す動詞も活用しよう
Smart Tips
Switch from 'I think that...' to 'It is evident that...' or 'The fact that...'.
Recognize it as the 'putative should' used for emotional emphasis.
Try replacing 'that' with 'which'. If it sounds like garbage, it's a complement clause.
Delete the 'that' and the 'It is'.
発音
The Weak 'That'
In the middle of a sentence, 'that' is usually unstressed and pronounced with a schwa /ðət/.
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.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Remember 'FACT': Feelings, Adjectives, Complements, That.
視覚的連想
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
チャレンジ
Write three sentences about your day using 'I am glad that...', 'It is strange that...', and 'The fact that...'.
文化メモ
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'.
会話のきっかけ
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?
日記のテーマ
よくある間違い
Test Yourself
Score: /3
練習問題
8 exercisesI am delighted ___ you decided to join us.
Find and fix the mistake:
The fact which he failed the exam is very sad.
It is essential that he ___ (be) informed immediately.
strange / that / should / it / he / is / say / that
Match the following:
He resigned, and that surprised everyone.
In informal speech, 'that' can often be omitted in evaluative clauses.
A: Why are you so upset? B: I'm just annoyed ___.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesScore: /12
よくある質問 (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
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
que + subjuntivo
Spanish uses the subjunctive for emotion; English uses the indicative or 'should'.
que + subjonctif
French requires the subjunctive for almost all evaluative clauses.
dass-Satz
German has strict verb-final word order in the 'dass' clause.
こと (koto) / の (no)
Japanese uses nominalization rather than a conjunction like 'that'.
أنّ (anna)
Arabic often requires a preposition before the 'that' equivalent.
Juxtaposition / 的 (de)
Chinese lacks a direct equivalent to the 'that' complementizer.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
関連動画
05:40 If you had the chance to be immortal, would you take it? - Sarah Stroud and Michael Vazquez
06:12 Scientists still don't know the answer to this infamous question - Charles Wallace & Dan Kwartler
09:25 DnD Really Is Therapy
that節の完全攻略！感情・判断の形容詞との組み合わせ
Atsueigo
ネイティブが使うthat節の省略とニュアンスの違い
Hapa 英会話
Related Grammar Rules
未来を予測する: 'Likely' と 'Unlikely' の使い方 (ヘッジング)
Overview Uberがキャンセルされる確率が90%だと確信しているけれど、完全に悲観的な人だと思われたくない、そんな経験はありま...
成功のイディオム：迅速なスタートと素晴らしい結果 (Hit the Ground Running, Bear Fruit)
Overview 新しいビデオゲームを始めて、すぐにすべてのボタンの役割を理解できたことはありますか？あるいは、新しい仕事を始め...
英語のヘッジング: 'Probably', 'Perhaps', 'Possibly' の使い方
Overview `I'll be there at 8`（8時に行くね）とメッセージを送った後、7時45分の時点でまだパジャマ姿だと気づいたことはあり...
対立のイディオム：争いと和解（口論する、仲直りする）
Overview 親友とNetflixで何を見るか決めようとして、自分は怖いホラー映画が見たいのに、相手はベタな恋愛映画が見たいと言い出...
英語の変化に関するイディオム (Turn Over a New Leaf & Sea Change)
Overview 月曜日にようやくあのワークアウトアプリを始めると自分に約束したことはありますか？あるいは、心機一転するために古...
