METU/SFL Fall 2024

DBE
GHO 1
301 GROUP
Noun Clauses – Basics
(Student’s Copy)

Objectives: Students will have practiced

-using noun clauses beginning with “that” as the object of the sentence (after certain verbs), as noun
complements, and after certain adjectives,
-omitting “that” when it is used in a noun clause as the object of the verb, after adjectives or as the
noun complement
-using “the fact that” in noun clauses in the object positions

A. NOUN CLAUSES BEGINNING WITH “THAT”

TASK 1. Study the sentences below, and circle the main verb in each, and then, underline the object in
each sentence.

a. Building relationships with peers and professors affects a student's academic performance.
b. Some university students need help from peers, professors, and mentors to solve their problems.
c. Professors believe that building strong relationships with peers and mentors helps students succeed in
their studies.
d. Recent research has shown that building connections with peers, professors, and mentors can improve
students' academic performance.

TASK 2. What is the difference between the objects of the sentences a-b and c-d?

TASK 3. Read the following text about the importance of building relationships at university, and
underline the clauses beginning with “that.”
Building relationships with mentors and peers at university is very important. To start with, many
students know that mentors can offer valuable advice and support. They help with academic problems
and career planning. Students are aware of the fact that having good relationships helps them feel less
stressed and more confident. Peers also play a crucial role in university life. It is true that friends and
peers can make university life easier and more enjoyable. They can help with coursework and share
notes. Being part of study groups with peers can improve understanding of difficult subjects. They can
discuss their challenges and celebrate their success together. Therefore, making an effort to connect
with mentors and peers is a smart move. In short, the advantage of building these relationships is that it
helps students achieve their goals and have a more positive university experience.

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TASK 4. Study the sentences in the text with the clauses beginning with “that,” and complete the rules by
choosing the correct alternative or by filling in the gaps.
1. The clauses function as a) adjectives.
b) nouns

2. The clauses are a) objects of the original sentence (main verb.)

b) subjects

3. The clauses have their own subjects and verbs.

4. The clauses can follow verbs, adjectives, or the verb “to be.”

The clauses that you have underlined in the text are noun clauses which begin with “that.” They function
as nouns, so they can be the subject or object of a sentence. You can use noun clauses which begin with
“that” (shortly, that-clauses) after certain verbs. Some verbs that are commonly used with noun clauses
are:

* know * claim * state *hope

* think * show * conclude * make sure
* believe * answer * suggest * reveal
* agree * realize
* say

e.g., Many students know that mentors can offer valuable advice and support.
You can use that-clauses after certain adjectives. Some adjectives that are commonly used in noun
clauses are:

* afraid * sure * clear

* surprised * glad * evident
* happy * certain * true

e.g., I am glad that you got the visa.

We can use noun clauses after the following structure with certain adjectives: it + verb to be + adjective
e.g., It is true that friends and peers can make university life easier and more enjoyable.

Note to the Instructor: Although “essential,” “important,” and “necessary” are commonly used with
“that,” they are not included here because they are followed by subjunctive, and they will not be tested
at this level.

You can use that-clauses as noun complements (noun + verb “to be”). Some examples with such nouns
are:

* problem * advantage/disadvantage * difficulty

* rule * reason

e.g., The advantage of building these relationships is that it helps students achieve their goals and have
a more positive university experience.

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 “That” can be omitted when it is used in a noun clause as the object of the verb, after adjectives, or
as the noun complement.
● Many students know (that) mentors can offer valuable advice and support.
● It is true (that) friends and peers can make university life easier and more enjoyable.
● The advantage of building these relationships is (that) it helps students achieve their goals and have a
more positive university experience.

THE FACT THAT

If that-clause follows a preposition, “the fact that” is used instead of “that,” and it cannot be omitted.
e.g., Students are aware of the fact that having good relationships helps them feel less stressed and more
confident.
OR: Students are aware that having good relationships helps them feel less stressed and more confident.
(NOT Students are aware of that having good relationships helps them feel less stressed and more
confident.)

TASK 5. Here are certain things about another relationship, which is between parents and children. What
should or shouldn’t parents do to help their children develop healthy levels of self-esteem? Combine the
sentences using a that-clause, and make the necessary changes.

e.g., Children need a lot of attention. Parents know this.

Parents know that children need a lot of attention.

1. Parents love their children. They should show this by giving them lots of hugs and kisses.
Parents ___________________________________________________________________________.

2. Parents accept their children as they are. Children need to know this.
Children ___________________________________________________________________________.

3. Parents must put pressure on their children to help them do well. Some parents think so.
Some parents ______________________________________________________________________.

4. Children can make better decisions when they are on their own. Many parents are convinced of this.
Many parents ______________________________________________________________________.

5. Parents should have ‘special times’ for their children every day. Psychologists say this.
Psychologists _______________________________________________________________________.

6. Children cannot learn to stand on their own feet. This is one disadvantage of helicopter parenting.
One disadvantage of helicopter parenting ________________________________________________.

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TASK 6. Read the text about teenager-parent relationships, and complete the missing parts with a that-
clause using the statements below (a-f). Make any necessary grammatical changes. The statements are
in the correct order.
The relationships between parents and teenagers are getting worse. It seems that there is a gap between
them because they cannot communicate well, and their conversations always end with an argument. Here
are some things that teenagers can or should do to solve this problem and have a better relationship with
their parents:
* They should show 1. ______________________________________ because their parents brought
them into this world. They deserve respect from their children.

* When teenagers feel 2. ______________________________________, they should talk to them about

it. They shouldn’t shout back or refuse to do what their parents ask. That way, parents will understand
how they feel, and they will have a chance to explain their side of things.

* Teenagers should try to see their parents as their friends. They should talk to them about their
problems and ask for advice if they need it. Parents will be happy

3. ______________________________________.

* It is also important 4. ______________________________________. This communication may

strengthen good relationships with their parents.

* Teenagers should realize 5. ______________________________________ because nobody is perfect.

They just need to care about their parents and learn to respect their opinions and beliefs.
Having a good relationship with parents is a two-way thing. If teenagers do their part, their relationship
with their parents will improve, and they will have fewer arguments with them. They will then notice
6. ______________________________________.
a. They respect their parents.
b. Their parents are being unreasonable.
c. Their children are asking for their help.
d. Teenagers spend at least 30 minutes a day chatting with their parents.
e. They do not have to be a great person to make their parents happy.
f. Their parents are more understanding towards them.

TASK 7. Fill in the blanks with a that-clause to talk about your relationship with your friends.
1. I know that my friends _______________________________________________________________.
2. I believe that people _________________________________________________________________.
3. My friends think that ________________________________________________________________.
4. My friends are surprised that __________________________________________________________.
5. My friends are happy that _____________________________________________________________.