grammar · academic

abstract N (idea/opinion/belief) + that + S + V

Band 7+task2task1

Abstract nouns (idea, belief, opinion, suggestion, assumption, etc.) followed by a that-clause to state their content.

Examples

“the idea that children learn best through play”

“the belief that technology improves productivity”

“the opinion that homework is unnecessary”

Band 8 sentence

“The prevailing assumption that economic growth automatically reduces inequality has been challenged by recent studies.”

Collocations

  • the assumption that + clause
  • the suggestion that + clause

Common mistakes

the idea for children learn through play→the idea that children learn through play

the belief of that technology improves productivity→the belief that technology improves productivity

Say it for a higher band

5the idea of + V-ing/N→6the idea that + clause (informal)→7+abstract N + that + S + V

Synonyms

the view that + clause

Easily confused

the idea that vs the idea of

“The idea that humans can live on Mars still faces many challenges.”

Related words

defining vs non-defining relative clauses (use of commas and that/which/who), who + Vthe + superlative + N + (that) + S + Veach of whom + V, which is why + S + VIndefinite pronouns + who/that + V (someone/anyone/anything + who/that)the majority of + N + who + Vthose who + V

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In Relative clauses

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