2. We sometimes use a noun phrase after the verb be to
identify or complete the meaning of the subject.
For example:
The only problem
subject noun phrase
is the weather.
be
In a similar way, we can use a that clause after the
verb be. For example:
The only problem
subject that clause
is it’s raining.
be
The only problem is that it’s raining.
3. My biggest concern
subject that clause
is he’s not feeling well.
be
My biggest concern is that he’s not feeling well.
The only advantage is no one will be there.
The only advantage is that no one will be there.
4. Common subjects followed by be + that clause include:
The problem
subject that clause
is that…
be
The reason is that…
One result is that…
The fact is that…
The advantage
subject that clause
is that…
be
The truth is that…
My concern is that…
When we use a noun phrase, a noun clause, or a gerund after the
verb be, we call it a subject completer or subject complement.
6. I’m not confident he’ll come.
We sometimes use a linking verb + adjective + that
clause. This is another common way to express an
attitude or degree of certainty about something.
For example:
I’m not confident that he’ll come.
She’s sorry she didn’t tell you.
She’s sorry that she didn’t tell you.
7. He seemed amazed he rode his bike so far.
He seemed amazed that he rode his bike so far.
Don’t you feel proud that you’ve done such a good job?
8. Afraid. Amazed. Angry. Annoyed. Aware. Unaware.
Concerned. Disappointed. Encouraged. Glad. Grateful.
Happy. Unhappy. Hopeful. Irritated. Pleased. Proud.
Relieved. Sorry. Surprised. Thankful. Worried.
Common adjectives used for attitudes and feelings include:
Certain. Confident. Convinced. Positive. Sure.
Common adjectives used for certainty include:
Notice that these adjectives describe the subject of the sentence,
not the noun clause.
When we use a noun clause (or some other form) after an adjective,
we call it an adjective completer or adjective complement.
