English grammar
The fact that… and -ing clauses as the subject
Argue about facts and what they do or don't prove.
From the scene The fact that it is new…
In short
A whole clause can be the subject: The fact that it's new doesn't mean… An -ing clause works too: Having a lift…
Your turn
Which one goes with -ing clause as subject?
Options: the fact that they'd pay so much shows the building is worth a lot · having a lift doesn't mean it has a soul · the fact that it's new doesn't mean it's better
Show answer
-ing clause as subject → having a lift doesn't mean it has a soul
How it works
A whole clause can be the subject of a sentence in English. The fact that + clause is the most common way: the fact that it's new doesn't mean it's better.
Good to know
An -ing clause can be the subject too, with no the fact that needed: having a lift doesn't mean it has a soul, being eighty doesn't mean I'm stupid.
the fact that + clause (subject) the fact that it's new doesn't mean it's better
Elena
The fact that it's new doesn't mean it's better.
El hecho de que sea nuevo no significa que sea mejor.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank).
Options: Having a lift doesn't mean it has a soul · The fact that they'd pay so much shows the building is worth a lot · The fact that it's new doesn't mean it's better
Show answer
Elena
The fact that it's new doesn't mean it's better.
El hecho de que sea nuevo no significa que sea mejor.
-ing clause as subject having a lift doesn't mean it has a soul
Elena
Having a lift doesn't mean it has a soul.
Que tenga ascensor no implica que tenga alma.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank).
Options: The fact that they'd pay so much shows the building is worth a lot · Having a lift doesn't mean it has a soul · The fact that it's new doesn't mean it's better
Show answer
Elena
Having a lift doesn't mean it has a soul.
Que tenga ascensor no implica que tenga alma.
the fact that… shows that… the fact that they'd pay so much shows the building is worth a lot
Nuria
And the fact that they'd pay so much shows the building is worth a lot.
Y el hecho de que paguen tanto demuestra que el edificio vale mucho.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
And (blank).
Options: the fact that they'd pay so much shows the building is worth a lot · the fact that it's new doesn't mean it's better · having a lift doesn't mean it has a soul
Show answer
Nuria
And the fact that they'd pay so much shows the building is worth a lot.
Y el hecho de que paguen tanto demuestra que el edificio vale mucho.
-ing clause as subject (again) being eighty doesn't mean I'm stupid
Elena
And being eighty doesn't mean I'm stupid.
Y que yo tenga ochenta años no significa que sea tonta.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
And (blank).
Options: being eighty doesn't mean I'm stupid · the fact that it's new doesn't mean it's better · having a lift doesn't mean it has a soul
Show answer
Elena
And being eighty doesn't mean I'm stupid.
Y que yo tenga ochenta años no significa que sea tonta.
the fact that + clause + is the fact that he's still alive is a miracle
Common mistake
Not Have or Had here. The subject of the sentence: an -ing clause.
Having a lift doesn't mean it has a soul.
Que tenga ascensor no implica que tenga alma.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| the fact that + clause (subject) | the fact that it's new doesn't mean it's better |
|---|---|
| -ing clause as subject | having a lift doesn't mean it has a soul |
| the fact that… shows that… | the fact that they'd pay so much shows the building is worth a lot |
| -ing clause as subject (again) | being eighty doesn't mean I'm stupid |
| the fact that + clause + is | the fact that he's still alive is a miracle |
More lines from the story
- NuriaExactly. Look at my phone: new, and it already doesn't work.Exacto. Mire mi móvil: nuevo, y ya no funciona.
- ElenaThe spokesman called me an old lady. Twice.El portavoz me ha llamado señora mayor. Dos veces.