That Damn K: Understanding The Many Faces Of "That"
Language is a fascinating beast, full of nuances and subtleties that can trip up even the most seasoned writers. One of the most versatile yet confusing words in English is the humble "that." It's a word we use every day, often without a second thought, but its various uses and meanings can be surprisingly complex. In this article, we'll dive deep into the world of "that," exploring its many forms and functions, and hopefully shed some light on this linguistic chameleon.
The Three Faces of "That"
As we begin our journey into the realm of "that," it's important to note that there are three very different uses of this seemingly simple word. Understanding these distinct functions is crucial for mastering its proper usage in writing and speech.
Demonstrative Pronoun That
The first face of "that" is its role as a demonstrative pronoun. In the sentence "I know that this is the answer," the word "that" is pointing to a specific thing or idea. It's like a linguistic finger, directing our attention to something previously mentioned or understood in context. This usage of "that" helps to clarify and emphasize particular elements in a sentence, making our communication more precise and effective.
Adjectival That
Moving on, we encounter "that" in its adjectival form. Consider the sentence "That is not the answer." Here, "that" is functioning as an adjective, modifying the noun "answer." It's specifying which answer we're talking about, distinguishing it from other potential answers. This adjectival use of "that" is particularly useful when we need to single out a specific item from a group or when referring back to something mentioned earlier in a conversation or text.
The Mysterious "That"
Lastly, we have what we might call the "mysterious that." In the incomplete sentence "That answer is not," we're left hanging, wondering what exactly is not true about the answer. This usage of "that" as a standalone pronoun can sometimes create ambiguity, but it can also be used for dramatic effect or to create suspense in writing.
Beyond the Basics: The Subordinator "That"
Actually, there's more to this than mentioned in some other answers. The word "that" is not just a pronoun or adjective; it's also a subordinator. As a subordinator, "that" introduces dependent clauses, connecting them to independent clauses and providing additional information or context. It's not a relative word like "who," "where," "when," or "which," but it plays a similar role in sentence structure.
For example, in the sentence "I believe that she will come," the word "that" introduces the dependent clause "she will come," which provides more information about what is believed. This subordinating function of "that" is essential for constructing complex sentences and expressing nuanced ideas.
"That" in Modern Slang
For the past few years, I have been hearing people say "that tracks," a phrase that has gained popularity in modern slang. My search on Green's Dictionary of Slang yielded nothing with this exact phrase, which suggests that it might be a more recent addition to our linguistic repertoire.
The phrase "that tracks" is typically used to express agreement or to indicate that something makes sense. It's similar to saying "that follows" or "that's logical." The use of "that" in this context is demonstrative, pointing to a previously stated idea or situation and affirming its coherence or plausibility.
The Dual Nature of "That" in Sentences
The first "that" would be a conjunction, while the second "that" would be a pronoun. Consider the sentence: "I thought that that wasn't a thing." In this case, the first "that" is introducing a clause (conjunction), while the second "that" is standing in for a noun (pronoun).
This dual nature of "that" can sometimes lead to confusion, especially in sentences where it appears multiple times. However, understanding the different roles "that" can play allows us to parse these sentences more easily and use them more effectively in our own writing.
The Comma Conundrum: Can You Use "That" with a Comma?
I would like to know if you can use "that" with a comma after it. The answer is yes, but it depends on the context. When "that" is used as a subordinating conjunction, it typically doesn't require a comma. However, when it's used as a relative pronoun introducing a non-restrictive clause, a comma is necessary.
For example:
- No comma: "I know that she's coming." (subordinating conjunction)
- With comma: "The book, that I borrowed from you, is fascinating." (relative pronoun in a non-restrictive clause)
Understanding when to use a comma with "that" can significantly improve the clarity and readability of your writing.
"That" in Scientific Writing
Findings show that, during the initial stages of love, there is increased blood flow to the brain. This sentence demonstrates the use of "that" as a subordinating conjunction introducing a clause that provides additional information about the findings.
In scientific and academic writing, the use of "that" is crucial for presenting complex ideas and establishing relationships between different concepts. It allows researchers to present their findings clearly and precisely, making their work more accessible to readers.
"That" in Reported Speech
Consider the sentences: "He will understand that I was not joking" and "He will understand I was not joking." Which of the sentences is correct? Are there any specific rules about the use of "that"?
Both sentences are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different nuances. The version with "that" is more formal and explicit, while the version without "that" is more casual and concise. In general, "that" can often be omitted in reported speech when the meaning is clear without it.
However, including "that" can sometimes improve clarity, especially in complex sentences or when the clause following "that" is long. The choice between using "that" or omitting it often comes down to personal style and the level of formality required in the context.
Copy Editing and "That": A Delicate Balance
I just received a proofread version of an academic manuscript from my copy editor. She essentially changed all of the instances in which I had written "given that" to "given." I've tried to read through the changes and understand the reasoning behind them.
This scenario highlights the ongoing debate among writers and editors about the use of "that" in academic writing. Some argue that "that" is often unnecessary and can make writing more verbose, while others maintain that it can improve clarity and precision.
The decision to include or omit "that" often depends on the specific context, the complexity of the sentence, and the style guide being followed. In academic writing, where precision is paramount, the use of "that" can sometimes be beneficial in avoiding ambiguity.
"That" as an Explanatory Tool
"That" can introduce an explanatory dependent clause, providing additional information or clarification. For example, in the sentence "The reason that I'm late is traffic," the clause "that I'm late" explains the reason.
This use of "that" is particularly useful in writing that aims to explain or clarify complex ideas. It allows writers to expand on their points and provide the necessary context for their readers to fully understand the message.
"That" for Specificity and Subset Indication
"That" indicates a specific quality of the object in question, or a subset of a larger set. For instance, in the phrase "that book on the table," "that" is singling out a particular book from all possible books.
This function of "that" is crucial for precise communication. It allows us to specify exactly what we're referring to, avoiding confusion and ensuring that our message is accurately conveyed.
Grammatical Correctness and "That"
Both your examples are grammatical. However, "that" may be omitted from this kind of relative clause when, as in your examples, it is the object. For instance, in the sentence "The book (that) I read was fascinating," the "that" can be omitted without changing the meaning.
This flexibility in using "that" allows for more concise writing when appropriate, while still maintaining grammatical correctness. It's a tool that skilled writers can use to vary the rhythm and flow of their prose.
"That" in Social Media Context
I'm betting that most people know exactly what I am talking about. It happens when you're scrolling through some social media and you see something that is only a little funny.
In the context of social media, "that" plays a crucial role in referring back to previously mentioned content or ideas. It allows users to create a sense of shared understanding and context, even in the brief, fast-paced world of social media communication.
The use of "that" in social media posts and comments helps to create connections between different pieces of content and facilitates the spread of ideas and memes across platforms.
Conclusion
As we've seen, the humble word "that" is far from simple. It's a linguistic workhorse, performing multiple roles in our language with remarkable versatility. From its functions as a demonstrative pronoun, adjective, and subordinator to its use in modern slang and social media, "that" is an essential tool in our communicative arsenal.
Understanding the various uses of "that" can significantly improve your writing and speaking skills. It allows you to construct more complex sentences, express nuanced ideas, and communicate with greater precision. Whether you're crafting an academic paper, engaging in casual conversation, or navigating the world of social media, a solid grasp of "that" will serve you well.
So the next time you use "that" in a sentence, take a moment to appreciate its complexity and versatility. That's the power of language – even the simplest words can hold a world of meaning and function.
