Leaving out "That"

Noun clauses are introduced by relative pronouns. And the "king" of relative pronouns is "that".

When the noun clause comes at the beginning of the sentence (in the subject position), we must include the word "that".

• That the corkscrew had blood on it proves that the butler is the culprit.

However, when the noun clause is placed at the end of a sentence (in the object position), the word "that" is optional. In other words, both of the following sentences are correct:

• That the corkscrew had blood on it proves that the butler is the culprit.
• That the corkscrew had blood on it proves the butler is the culprit.

In fact, we often leave out "that" when the meaning of a sentence is clear. Consider the following sentences, all of which are grammatically correct:

• I believe that ghosts exist.
• I believe ghosts exist.
• I think that he is lying.
• I think he is lying.

Instructions for the Quiz

Identify the underlined clause.

Quiz