Evaluative That-Clauses

This grammar uses a specific starting phrase.

Usually, we start with the word It.

Then, we add the verb is.

Next, we choose a feeling word.

We call these words adjectives.

Words like good, sad, or important.

After the adjective, we add that.

Finally, we add a full sentence.

This full sentence is the fact.

For example: It is good that you are here.

It is good is your opinion.

You are here is the fact.

That joins them together perfectly.

It is like a grammar traffic light.

It tells the listener an opinion is coming.

Then, it shows the reason why.

1. 1Follow these simple steps to build one:
2. 2Start with the subject It.
3. 3Add the verb is (or was for the past).
4. 4Pick an adjective (like happy, strange, or great).
5. 5Add the word that.
6. 6Add a complete sentence (Subject + Verb).
7. 7Example: It + is + nice + that + we are friends.
8. 8You can also use people as subjects.
9. 9Example: I + am + glad + that + it is sunny.
10. 10Both ways show how you feel about a situation.
11. 11Keep the second sentence simple for now.
12. 12Just use a basic subject and verb.

Use this when you want to be polite.

It is great for ordering food.

It is great that you have vegan options.

Use it when asking for directions.

It is helpful that you have a map.

Use it in job interviews too.

It is important that I learn quickly.

It works well for giving feedback.

It is clear that you worked hard.

Use it to show empathy to friends.

It is sad that your cat is sick.

It makes your sentences feel more complete.

It shows you are thinking about the situation.

It is a very warm way to speak.

Even native speakers use this every single day.

Do not use this for simple facts.

If there is no feeling, don't use it.

Don't say: It is that the sky is blue.

That sounds very strange to English ears.

Avoid it when you are in a big hurry.

Just say The bus is late instead.

It is bad that the bus is late is longer.

Don't use it if you are unsure.

If you don't have an opinion, skip it.

Also, don't use it with verbs like go or eat.

It only works with be verbs and adjectives.

Keep it for opinions and evaluations only.

Many people forget the word It.

They say: Is good that you came.

Always remember to start with It.

Another mistake is forgetting the word is.

It good that you are here is wrong.

Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes!

Some people forget the second subject.

It is nice that is sunny is incorrect.

You need to say: It is nice that it is sunny.

Don't forget the word that while learning.

Advanced speakers sometimes drop that.

But for now, keep it in your sentences.

It helps you stay organized and clear.

Think of that as the glue.

Without glue, your sentence might fall apart.

Compare this to a simple sentence.

You are here. (Just a fact).

It is good that you are here. (Opinion + Fact).

See the difference in the feeling?

Compare it to using because.

I am happy because you are here.

This is very similar to our pattern.

But that-clauses focus more on the situation.

It is lucky that we found a seat.

This sounds more objective than I am lucky.

It describes the whole event as lucky.

It is a subtle shift in meaning.

One is about you, one is about the situation.

Both are useful, but that-clauses sound very polished.