Understanding The Versatile Word "That" In English Grammar
The English language is filled with words that serve multiple purposes, and "that" is undoubtedly one of the most versatile and often misunderstood words in our vocabulary. Whether you're a student, writer, professional, or simply someone who wants to improve their communication skills, understanding the various uses of "that" can significantly enhance your writing clarity and grammatical precision.
The Three Main Uses of "That"
As mentioned in our introduction, there are three very different uses of "that" that often confuse writers and speakers alike. Let's explore each one in detail to help you master this important word.
Demonstrative Pronoun
When "that" functions as a demonstrative pronoun, it points to something specific, either in distance or in emphasis. For example, in the sentence "I know that this is the answer," the word "that" serves as a demonstrative pronoun, referring back to previously mentioned information or emphasizing a particular point. This usage helps create clarity by distinguishing between multiple options or ideas.
Consider this practical example: Imagine you're in a meeting discussing several potential solutions to a problem. When you say, "I know that this is the answer," you're specifically pointing to one solution among many, using "that" to emphasize your confidence in your choice.
Adjectival That
The second major use of "that" is as an adjective, where it modifies a noun to provide specificity. In the sentence "That is not the answer," the word "that" functions as an adjective, describing which particular thing is not the answer. This usage helps narrow down options and provides precise identification.
For instance, if someone presents multiple answers to a question, saying "That answer is incorrect" clearly identifies which specific answer you're referring to, rather than making a general statement about all possible answers.
Subordinating Conjunction
The third primary use of "that" is as a subordinating conjunction, introducing dependent clauses. This is perhaps the most common use in formal writing. When "that" introduces a clause, it connects a dependent idea to an independent clause, creating a complete thought.
Comma Usage with "That"
Many writers wonder about the proper comma usage when working with "that." The question "I would like to know if you can use that with a comma after it" is quite common among both native and non-native English speakers.
The general rule is that you should not place a comma before "that" when it's used as a subordinating conjunction. For example, "Findings show that, during the initial stages of love, there is increased blood flow to the brain" is incorrect. The proper construction would be "Findings show that during the initial stages of love, there is increased blood flow to the brain."
However, there are exceptions. When "that" is used as a demonstrative pronoun at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis, a comma may follow it. For instance, "That, I can understand, but this I cannot."
Common Expressions and Slang
Language evolves constantly, and new expressions emerge regularly. For the past few years, I have been hearing people say "that tracks," which has become increasingly popular in casual conversation and online communication.
This expression means "that makes sense" or "that's consistent with what I know." For example, if someone explains their reasoning and you respond with "that tracks," you're indicating that their explanation aligns with your understanding or expectations.
When I searched Green's Dictionary of Slang, I found that while "that tracks" isn't extensively documented in traditional slang dictionaries, it has gained significant traction in modern usage, particularly among younger generations and in online communities.
Multiple "Thats" in a Sentence
A common question arises when sentences contain multiple instances of "that." Understanding the function of each "that" is crucial for proper usage and clarity.
In a sentence like "I thought that you said that wasn't possible," the first "that" functions as a conjunction, introducing the dependent clause "you said." The second "that" serves as a pronoun, standing in for whatever was previously mentioned or understood in context.
This distinction is important because it affects how we might choose to revise or simplify the sentence. In some cases, especially in informal writing or speech, one or both instances of "that" might be omitted without losing meaning.
"That" as a Subordinator
Actually, there's more to this than mentioned in some other answers. The word "that" is a subordinator, which is a specific type of conjunction that introduces dependent clauses. It's important to understand that "that" is not a relative word like "who," "where," "when," or "which."
This distinction matters because relative pronouns and subordinating conjunctions serve different grammatical functions and follow different rules. For example, "who" introduces relative clauses that provide additional information about a noun, while "that" as a subordinator introduces clauses that complete the meaning of the main clause.
Understanding Context and Meaning
Consider these two sentences: "He will understand that I was not joking" versus "He will understand I was not joking." Both sentences are grammatically correct, but they carry slightly different connotations.
The version with "that" tends to sound more formal and complete, while the version without "that" is more conversational and direct. The choice between them often depends on the context, audience, and desired tone.
Specific Rules for Using "That"
Many writers and editors grapple with the question: Are there any specific rules about the use of "that"? The answer is yes, but they're not always straightforward.
One important rule concerns the omission of "that" in relative clauses. When "that" introduces a relative clause and functions as the object of that clause, it can often be omitted without changing the meaning. For example, "The book that I read was excellent" can become "The book I read was excellent."
However, when "that" functions as the subject of the relative clause, it cannot be omitted. For instance, "The book that sits on the table is mine" cannot become "The book sits on the table is mine" without creating a grammatical error.
Editorial Considerations
I recently received a proofread version of an academic manuscript from my copy editor, and she essentially changed all of the instances in which I had written "given that" to "given." I've tried to read through the changes to understand the reasoning, and it highlights an important editorial consideration.
The phrase "given that" introduces a condition or circumstance, while "given" alone can sometimes suffice, especially in more concise academic writing. However, the choice often depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.
"That" in Explanatory Clauses
"That" can introduce an explanatory dependent clause, providing additional context or clarification to the main statement. For example, "I believe that education is the key to success" uses "that" to introduce the explanation of what I believe.
This usage is particularly common in academic and professional writing, where precision and clarity are paramount. The explanatory clause following "that" often contains the core message or argument that the writer wants to convey.
Specificity and Subset Identification
"That" indicates a specific quality of the object in question, or a subset of a larger set. For instance, "Bring me that book" specifies which book is desired, distinguishing it from other books that might be available.
In contrast, "what" indicates the object in question itself, or the essential nature of something. "What you need is understanding" focuses on the fundamental requirement rather than specifying a particular instance.
Using "That Is" Correctly
I am having a hard time figuring out when to use "that is." For example, for the definition of interjection, which is correct: "A word or phrase that is used to express emotion or surprise" or "A word or phrase that is used to express emotion or surprise a word or"?
The first option is correct. "That is" in this context serves to define or explain the nature of the word or phrase being discussed. It introduces the essential characteristic or function of the subject.
Relative Clauses and "That"
Both your examples are grammatical, but there's an important distinction to note. However, "that" may be omitted from this kind of relative clause when, as in your examples, it is the object of the clause.
For instance, "The movie that I watched last night was amazing" can become "The movie I watched last night was amazing." But if "that" is the subject of the relative clause, as in "The movie that was released last month is already a classic," it cannot be omitted.
Practical Applications
Understanding the various uses of "that" has practical applications in many areas:
In academic writing, proper use of "that" can enhance clarity and precision. Overuse of "that" can make writing feel heavy and cumbersome, while underuse might lead to ambiguity.
In business communication, knowing when to include or omit "that" can affect the tone and readability of emails, reports, and presentations. A more direct style might omit unnecessary "thats," while formal documents might retain them for clarity.
In creative writing, the strategic use or omission of "that" can affect pacing, rhythm, and character voice. Different characters might use "that" differently, reflecting their background, education, or personality.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Several common mistakes occur when using "that":
Overusing "that" in sentences where it's not necessary, which can make writing feel wordy and less dynamic.
Incorrectly placing commas around "that" when it's functioning as a subordinating conjunction.
Confusing "that" with "which" in relative clauses, particularly in American versus British English conventions.
Using "that" when "who" would be more appropriate for referring to people.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of "that" in English requires understanding its multiple functions and the contexts in which each is appropriate. From its role as a demonstrative pronoun and adjective to its function as a subordinating conjunction, "that" is a word that deserves careful attention from anyone serious about improving their writing and communication skills.
By paying attention to the rules and guidelines we've discussed, you can use "that" more effectively to enhance clarity, precision, and impact in your writing. Remember that while there are rules governing its use, there's also room for stylistic choice based on your audience, purpose, and personal voice.
The next time you write or edit, take a moment to consider whether each instance of "that" is necessary, whether it's being used correctly, and whether its inclusion or omission best serves your communication goals. With practice and attention, you'll find that mastering "that" becomes second nature, significantly improving the quality and effectiveness of your written communication.
