that I would

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that I would" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express a future possibility or intention. Here are a few examples: 1. I hope to visit Paris next year. That is something that I would really love to do. 2. If I won the lottery, one of the first things I would do is buy my mom a house. 3. She told me that she would call me later to discuss the project in more detail. 4. We can't make a decision until we know what the budget is. That is something that I would like to see before we proceed. 5. Even though it's a difficult decision, I know that I would regret not taking this opportunity.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For that, I would need photographic evidence.

The New Yorker

Before that, I would have said two.

The New Yorker

Look at that," I would say.

The New Yorker

And that I would.

Independent

I indicated that I would.

The New Yorker

I said that I would.

The New Yorker

Not that I would know.

The New York Times

Not that I would call it arguing.

The New York Times

I told him that I would wait.

The New Yorker

"I can't say that I would".

The New York Times

Not that I would, of course.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When clarity is paramount, avoid overly complex sentence structures that incorporate "that I would". Shorter, more direct phrasing can improve readability.

Common error

Avoid using "that I would" in simple declarative statements where a more direct verb tense would suffice. For example, instead of "I thought that I would go", simply say "I thought I would go" or "I thought I'd go".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that I would" typically functions as a subordinate clause, often dependent on a main clause expressing a thought, belief, or condition. It is used to convey a past intention or hypothetical action. Ludwig examples show it in contexts where someone is stating what they thought or indicated they would do.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that I would" functions as a subordinate clause, expressing conditional or hypothetical actions, often in relation to past intentions or expectations. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and business domains. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse in simple statements and ensure clarity by considering more direct phrasing when appropriate. Alternatives like "what I was planning to" or "which I intended to" can offer similar meanings with subtle shifts in emphasis. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for various communication settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that I was going to

Indicates a past intention or plan, shifting the focus from a hypothetical situation to a determined course of action.

what I was planning to

Focuses on the planning stage of an action, suggesting less certainty about the final outcome.

it was my understanding that I would

Highlights a prior agreement or expectation, emphasizing reliance on external assurance.

which I intended to

More formal and emphasizes a deliberate intention, often used in written contexts.

I had anticipated that I would

Suggests prior expectation or assumption regarding future action or event.

that I had the intention of

Emphasizes the existence of a prior intention, often implying a commitment to follow through.

which I envisioned myself doing

Emphasizes the act of imagining oneself performing a task, highlighting the aspirational aspect.

that it was my intention to

Highly formal and emphasizes a pre-determined plan or purpose.

I was of a mind to

Expresses a leaning towards a particular action, suggesting a willingness or inclination.

that I felt inclined to

Implies a personal leaning or disposition toward a certain action, rather than a firm decision.

FAQs

How can I use "that I would" in a sentence?

Use "that I would" to express a conditional or hypothetical action. For instance, "I knew "that I would" see her" or "I indicated "that I would"."

What are some alternatives to "that I would"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "what I was planning to", "which I intended to", or "I was going to" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "that I would" and "I will"?

"I will" expresses a firm intention or future action, whereas "that I would" implies a conditional or hypothetical scenario. "I will go" is a definite statement, while "that I would go" depends on a condition being met.

When is it best to use "that I would" instead of "I should"?

"I should" expresses obligation or recommendation, while "that I would" expresses a conditional intention or past prediction. Choose "that I would" when referring to a past expectation or hypothetical future action based on certain conditions.