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
Evaluative That-Clauses（评价性 that 从句）就成了不可或缺的利器。The project failed.（项目失败了），不如使用评价性从句说 It is regrettable that the project failed.（令人遗憾的是，项目失败了）。这种表达方式不仅提升了句子的复杂程度，更赋予了语言细腻的情感色彩和专业的说服力。that-clause 的运用涉及到形式主语 it、虚拟语气（Subjunctive Mood）以及特定的形容词搭配，这些都是 C1 级别学习者必须攻克的堡垒。本篇文章将带你深度剖析这一语法，让你在微信职场群、雅思/托福写作或是商务会议中，都能精准地传达你的每一个细微情绪。that 从句，首先要理解一个语言学概念：事实性补足语 (Factive Complement)。这里的 that-clause 所包含的信息通常被视为“已知的、确定的事实”。主句的功能并不是在讨论这件事是否发生，而是在对这个已经发生的事实进行“定性”。it 作为形式主语（Placeholder），而将真正的重心——that-clause 移到后面。- 中文思维：[他辞职了]这件事 + 令人惊讶。
- 英语结构：
It(形式主语) +is surprising(评价) +that he resigned(事实)。
It is interesting that... 时，你已经默认了 that 之后的内容是真的。这与 I think that... 有本质区别。I think 引导的是观点，其真实性尚待讨论；而评价性从句引导的是对“既定事实”的反应。这种微妙的差别在商务谈判和学术辩论中至关重要，因为它能通过语法结构潜移默化地让听众接受你的前提。that 从句主要有三种核心模式，每一种都对应不同的语境和情感强度。It + be + Adjective + that-clauseremarkable, strange, fortunate, ridiculous | It is remarkable that the startup achieved profitability in its first year. |essential, vital, crucial, imperative | It is crucial that the data be encrypted. |alarming, disappointing, surprising, sad | It is alarming that the local biodiversity is declining so rapidly. |obvious, clear, evident, plain | It was obvious that the two parties could not reach an agreement. |essential, vital, important），that 从句中的谓语动词必须使用动词原形（即虚拟语气），无论主语是第几人称。- 错误：
It is essential that he attends the meeting. - 正确：
It is essential that he attend the meeting.(省略了should，这是美式英语和正式英式英语的标准用法)。
Subject + be + Adjective + that-clause- 正面情感：
I am delighted that you accepted the invitation.(我很高兴你接受了邀请。) - 负面情感：
We were disappointed that the concert was cancelled.(我们对音乐会取消感到失望。) - 确定程度：
He is confident that the team will succeed.(他有信心团队会成功。)
Subject + find it + Adjective + that-clause- 例句：
I find it intriguing that many young people are moving back to rural areas. - 解析：这里的
it是形式宾语，真正的宾语是后面的that从句。这种结构在中文里很难直接对应，中文通常说“我觉得……很有趣”，但在英语里用find it... that...会显得逻辑极其严密。
I think...，导师会觉得你的观点太主观。使用 It is noteworthy that...（值得注意的是……）或 It is evident that...（显而易见的是……），可以将你的观察转化为一种客观的学术发现。这在描述实验结果或文献综述时非常有效。You made a mistake 太生硬。如果说 It is concerning that there are discrepancies in the budget report（预算报告中存在差异，这令人担忧），则显得对事不对人，专业度瞬间拉满。I am happy。但作为 C1 级别的学习者，你可以根据语境选择更精准的词汇：I am relieved that...(松了一口气，强调压力释放)I am thrilled that...(欣喜若狂，强调极度兴奋)I am grateful that...(心存感激，强调对他人的谢意)
that 经常被省略：I'm so glad you made it!。但在正式的合规文件或法律信函中，that 必须保留，以确保句法结构的完整和严谨。essential, vital 之后，很多同学会习惯性地加 -s 或用过去式。- 中式错误：
It is vital that the manager decides now. - 地道表达：
It is vital that the manager decide now. - 避坑指南：记住“重要必要，动词原形”的口诀。
find it 结构的语序混乱I find strange that...。- 错误：
I find strange that he didn't call. - 正确：
I find it strange that he didn't call. - 避坑指南：
find后面必须有一个“坑位”给it，这个it就像是一个预付款，先占住宾语的位置，后面的that-clause才是真正的货款。
-ed 与 -ing 形容词的混淆It is... 结构中，必须用形容事物的 -ing 词；在 I am... 结构中，必须用形容感受的 -ed 词。- 错误：
It is pleased that the economy is growing.(错误地认为情况是“感到高兴的”) - 正确：
It is pleasing that the economy is growing.或I am pleased that...。
that-clause 和 to-infinitive (不定式)to-infinitive 侧重于动作本身，而 that-clause 侧重于具体的人或事实。It is important to exercise.(泛指：运动很重要。)It is important that you exercise.(特指：你运动这件事很重要。)
It is important that to exercise 这种“缝合怪”句子，一定要二选一。It is ADJ that + 句子 | 评价一个已知事实 | It's sad that he left. (他真的走了，我很伤心) |I think/hope that + 句子 | 表达观点或愿望 | I hope that he leaves. (他不一定走，我希望他走) |It is ADJ to + 动词 | 评价一个动作/行为 | It's hard to leave. (离开这个动作很难) |It is uncertain whether... | 针对不确定的事实 | It's doubtful whether he will leave. (他不一定走，我很怀疑) |that 什么时候可以省略？I'm glad (that)...）时，that 经常省略。但在 It is... 这种非人称结构中，尤其是学术写作里，强烈建议保留 that，否则句子读起来会产生歧义。should？It's essential that... 之后，英式英语常说 that he should do，而美式英语则直接用动词原形 that he do。两者在现代英语中都是正确的，但 C1 级别的考试（如 CAE 或 CPE）通常更看重你对虚拟语气的掌握。It was surprising that she knew the secret. 只要注意时态的一致性即可。不过，评价性形容词（如 surprising）通常描述的是当时的反应，而 that 从句里的动词则根据事实发生的时间来定。that 从句里用否定式吗？not。例如：It is vital that he not forget his passport.（注意：不是 does not forget）。Evaluative That-Clauses 不仅仅是掌握一个句型，更是掌握一种“高级的思维方式”。它让你从“描述世界”进化到“评论世界”。下次当你刷朋友圈看到朋友升职，或者在写一份关于市场趋势的报告时，试着把 I think it's good 换成 It's heartening that... 或 I find it encouraging that...。这种细微的改变，就是 C1 级别学习者走向成熟表达的标志。记住，语言的温度和深度，往往就藏在这些精心选择的从句结构之中。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
| 句型结构 | 例句 | 功能 | That 是否可省略 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
It + be + 形容词 + that 从句
|
It's essential that you practice.
|
客观/非人称评价
|
非正式场合常省略
|
|
主语 + be + 形容词 + that 从句
|
I'm relieved that the test is over.
|
个人情感表达
|
通常可以省略
|
|
主语 + 动词 + that 从句
|
We hope that you enjoy the show.
|
认知或感受
|
口语中经常省略
|
|
常见形容词
|
happy, sad, important, strange
|
情感或判断
|
不适用
|
|
常见动词
|
believe, know, regret, feel
|
认知或情绪
|
不适用
|
|
正式语境
|
It is acknowledged that...
|
客观陈述事实
|
较少省略
|
正式程度
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)
评价性 That 从句：情感放大器
构成方式
- It + be + 形容词 + that 从句 It's crucial that...
- 主语 + be + 形容词 + that 从句 I'm happy that...
- 主语 + 动词 + that 从句 She believes that...
核心形容词
- 高兴 It's good that...
- 重要 It's vital that...
- 惊讶 It's shocking that...
- 遗憾 It's a pity that...
核心动词
- 知道 I know that...
- 觉得 I feel that...
- 遗憾 They regret that...
- 相信 We believe that...
使用场景
- 情感反应 I'm so glad that...
- 观点/判断 It's ridiculous that...
- 重要性/必要性 It's essential that...
That vs. What: 终极对决
我该使用评价性 That 从句吗？
你想表达某种情感、判断或观点吗？
你的情感/判断是针对某个具体事实或情况吗？
这种评价是客观的还是关于个人感受的？
评价性 That 从句的应用语境
日常聊天
- • I'm so glad that...
- • It's crazy that...
- • I'm sure that...
学术/职场
- • It's crucial that...
- • We acknowledge that...
- • It is imperative that...
数字社交
- • OMG, it's hilarious that...
- • I'm relieved that...
- • It's annoying that...
反思与表达
- • I regret that...
- • I believe that...
- • It's fascinating that...
按水平分级的例句
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.
容易混淆
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).
常见错误
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.
句型
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.
用 'It' 做完美开场
警惕 'What' 的陷阱
丰富你的形容词库
正式程度决定 'that' 的去留
It is acknowledged that the results are preliminary.
认知动词也很好用
I regret that I cannot attend the meeting.
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'.
发音
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.
记住它
记忆技巧
Remember 'FACT': Feelings, Adjectives, Complements, That.
视觉联想
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
挑战
Write three sentences about your day using 'I am glad that...', 'It is strange that...', and 'The fact that...'.
文化笔记
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'.
对话开场白
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?
日记主题
常见错误
Test Yourself
It's important ___ everyone attends the virtual meeting.
Find and fix the mistake:
I'm happy what you got the job.
选择正确的句子：
Score: /3
练习题
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 exercisesShe feels strongly ___ her team delivered an excellent presentation.
We are confident what the new marketing strategy will succeed.
哪个句子在语法上是正确的？
将此句翻译成英语：'演唱会门票卖得这么快，真令人惊讶。'
连词成句：
将形容词与合适的引导短语匹配：
It was regrettable ___ they missed the opportunity to present.
翻译成英语：'我们认为学生参与是至关重要的。'
将这些单词排列成句：
Is essential that we leave now.
选择最佳选项：
将情绪与合适的形容词匹配：
Score: /12
常见问题 (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
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英语中 that 引导的各种从句，一次性讲清楚
Lizi English
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英语兔
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