Verbs of belief and report like think, hope, believe, and be afraid can replace an entire that-clause with so for an affirmative meaning or not for a negative one, as in I hope not or I’m afraid so. Different verbs prefer different negative patterns, such as I don’t think so versus I hope not.
Grammar Rule
So replaces an affirmative clause; not replaces a negative one. Different verbs prefer different negative patterns.
So and Not as Substitutes for That Clauses: Rules and Examples
| Verb | Negative pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| hope / be afraid | + not directly | I hope not. I’m afraid so. |
| think / believe | negate the main verb (don’t think so) | I don’t think so. I believe so. |
| suppose / expect | both patterns allowed | Forecasters suppose not. |
Remember: so and not replace the whole clause on their own — never add that or it after them, and remember that hope and afraid take not directly rather than don’t…so.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using so and not correctly as substitutes for that clauses. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
C1-47 So and Not as Substitutes for That Clauses
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does so replace?
An affirmative that-clause, as in I’m afraid so.
What does not replace?
A negative that-clause, as in I hope not.
How do hope and be afraid form the negative?
With not directly after them, as in I hope not.
How do think and believe form the negative?
By negating the main verb, as in I don’t think so.