“That” construction vs complex object

Lead-in – Discussion Questions

• When you want someone to do something, how do you usually say it in English?

• How do you give advice at work?

• How do you express strong recommendations?

Look at the examples below:

1. I want you to help me.

2. I suggest that you help me.

3. She told him to call her.

4. She insisted that he call her.

• What is the difference between these sentences?

• Why do some verbs use to + verb, and others use that + verb?

• Which sentences sound more formal?

Explanation

Today we are going to study two important structures in English:

1. Complex Object (verb + object + to/verb)

2. The “that” construction (verb + that + subject + base verb)

These structures are used to express:

• requests

• expectations

• suggestions

• obligations

• influence

• strong opinions

Understanding the difference will help you speak more naturally and avoid common mistakes.

Basic Structure

verb + that + subject + base verb

Examples:

• I suggest that you stay here.

• She insists that he apologize.

• They recommend that we leave early.

Important:
In this structure, we usually use the base form of the verb (no “to”, no “-s”).

When the “That” Construction Is Natural

It is commonly used after verbs that express:

• suggestions

• recommendations

• demands

• requirements

• strong opinions

• formal statements

• rules or regulations

These verbs are often used in more formal English.

A. Suggest / Recommend / Propose

Very common in academic and professional contexts.

• I suggest that you take a break.

• She recommended that he see a doctor.

• They proposed that we change the plan.

In informal speech, people may also say:

• I suggest you take a break.

However, the “that” form is especially common in formal writing.

B. Insist

Used when someone strongly says something must happen.

• She insists that he come early.

• They insist that we finish today.

This structure is very typical.

C. Demand / Require / Request

Used in official or serious situations.

• The manager demanded that the report be ready.

• The rules require that all students arrive on time.

• She requested that he call her later.

In formal English, especially after demand and require, the verb be is common:

• It is required that the documents be submitted.

D. It Is Important / Necessary / Essential

Structure:

It is + adjective + that + subject + base verb

Examples:

• It is important that you understand the rules.

• It is necessary that he be present.

• It is essential that everyone follow the instructions.

This pattern is very common in academic and professional English.

3. Expect — Special Case

The verb expect can be used in two ways:

Option 1: Complex Object (more common in everyday English)

• I expect you to finish the task.

Option 2: That-clause

• I expect that you will finish the task.

Both are correct.

Difference in focus:

• Complex object → emphasizes responsibility.

• That-clause → emphasizes the future result (That-clause → slightly more formal, often used in written or professional contexts)

4. Grammar Notes

In the “that” construction:

• Use the base verb:

  1. She insists that he go.

  2. I suggest that we start now.

• In some varieties of English (especially British English), “should” is also used:

  1. I suggest that he should go.

  2. They insist that we should leave.

Both forms are acceptable.

5. When NOT to Use the “That” Construction

After these verbs, English normally uses the Complex Object structure:

• want

• would like

• ask

• tell

• invite

• encourage

• allow

• make

• let

• have

Correct:

• I want you to help me.

Not correct:

• I want that you help me.

Summary Rule 

Use that + base verb when the verb expresses:

• suggestion/recommendation (suggest, recommend, propose)

• demand (demand)

• requirement (require, require, request)

• strong insistence (insist)

• formal necessity (it’s necessary/important/essential/crucial)

Use object + to + verb after verbs like:

• want

• would like

• ask

• tell

• allow

• make

• let

• have

Practice

Part 1 — Choose the Correct Structure

Use the verb in brackets. Decide whether to use:

• Complex Object → verb + object + to + verb / bare infinitive

• That-construction → verb + that + subject + base verb

1. I want ______ (you/finish) the project today.

2. She insists ______ (he/apologize).

3. The manager expects  ______ (the team/complete) the task.

4. It is important ______ (everone/understand) the instructions clearly.

5. They recommend ______ (we/change) the strategy.

6. I would like ______ (you/attend) the meeting.

7. The company demands ______ (the report/be) ready by Monday.

8. We saw ______ (he/enter) the building.

9. She suggests ______ (we/start) earlier tomorrow.

10. I heard ______ (they/argue) in the corridor.

11. The teacher made ______ (we/rewrite) the test.

12. It is necessary ______ (people/follow) the rules.

13. They allowed ______ (us/leave) early.

14. The rules require ______ (the staff/wear) identification badges.

15. I expect ______ (we/arrive) soon.

Part 2 — Decide and Correct the Structure

Each sentence contains a structure. Decide if it is correct. If not, correct it.

1. I suggest you to start earlier.

2. She insists that he to come immediately.

3. They want that we help them.

4. The manager had the team to prepare the report.

5. It is important that everyone understands the topic.

6. I expect you to call me later.

7. The company demands the report to be ready.

8. She let me to use her phone.

9. We recommend that he should see a doctor.

10. I heard her sing during the meeting.

Part 3 — Translation 

1. Я хочу, щоб ти допоміг мені.

2. Вона наполягає, щоб він прийшов раніше.

3. Вони змусили нас працювати довше.

4. Важливо, щоб ви зрозуміли ситуацію.

5. Я бачив, як він вийшов із кімнати.

6. Ми спостерігали, як діти гралися.

7. Вони рекомендують, щоб ми змінили стратегію.

8. Вона дозволила мені піти додому.

9. Він очікує, що команда виграє матч.

10. Я чув, як хтось говорив у коридорі.

11. Необхідно, щоб усі були присутні.

12. Вона попросила мене зателефонувати їй.

13. Я бачив, як вона відкрила вікно.

14. Вони вимагають, щоб компанія покращила умови.

15. Я хочу, щоб ви розглянули це питання.

Part 4 – Speaking Practice

1. What would you like your people to understand?

2. What do you want your government to focus on?

3. Have you ever seen someone behave unprofessionally at work?

4. What do you expect technology to change in the next decade?

5. What do you insist on in your personal or professional life?

6. What should managers require that employees do?

7. What do you expect your friends to do in difficult situations?

8. Have you ever heard someone say something surprising in a meeting?

9. What habits would you like your family members to change?

10. When was the last time someone made you change your plans?

11. What rules do you think are important that people follow?

12. What do you recommend that people do to improve their English?