In English, the use of ‘that’ after certain verbs, including ‘hope,’ can sometimes be confusing. In this article, we will explain the role of ‘that’ in the sentence you provided and why it is used instead of directly following ‘hope’ with ‘for.’
Understanding the Role of ‘That’ After ‘Hope’
In the sentence: “There is the optimistic hope that for similar reasons Almight have something to say about deep questions of philosophy, by providing insights into the meaning of the concept of the mind,” the word ‘that’ introduces a noun clause. This noun clause functions as the object of the verb ‘hope.’ Without the word ‘that,’ the sentence would not be grammatically correct, as ‘hope’ needs to be followed by a clause, not just a preposition like ‘for.’
‘That’ serves to link the main clause to the subordinate noun clause, making the sentence clearer and more structured. The clause after ‘that’ explains what is hoped for, which in this case is a philosophical insight.
Why ‘Hope’ is Not Followed Directly by ‘For’
‘Hope’ typically requires a noun clause or an infinitive verb phrase after it, not just a preposition like ‘for.’ The phrase ‘hope for’ is used in specific contexts, such as when referring to something specific one is hoping to obtain or experience (e.g., ‘I hope for good weather’).
In contrast, when we are hoping for a concept or an abstract idea, like in your sentence, we need a noun clause. The noun clause introduces the full idea of what is hoped for, which is why ‘that’ is used to start the clause.
Example Sentences: When to Use ‘That’ and ‘For’
Let’s break it down with examples:
- Using ‘hope that’: “I hope that you will succeed in your studies.” In this sentence, ‘that’ introduces a noun clause explaining what is hoped for.
- Using ‘hope for’: “I hope for a peaceful outcome.” In this case, ‘hope for’ is followed by a noun (outcome) that represents a specific, tangible goal.
Why Understanding This is Important
Understanding when to use ‘that’ after ‘hope’ helps improve both your writing and comprehension of complex sentences. By using ‘that,’ you create a clearer sentence structure, especially when expressing abstract or philosophical ideas. This is essential in both written and spoken communication, as it makes your message easier to understand.
Conclusion: The Importance of Sentence Structure in English
In conclusion, the use of ‘that’ after ‘hope’ is necessary to introduce a noun clause that explains what is being hoped for. By understanding the role of ‘that,’ you can enhance your ability to construct more sophisticated and grammatically correct sentences. This knowledge is particularly useful when dealing with complex ideas or abstract concepts in both everyday and academic writing.
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