Understanding The Many Uses Of "That" In English Grammar
The word "that" is one of the most versatile and frequently used words in the English language, yet it's often misunderstood and misused. From its role as a subordinator to its function as a demonstrative pronoun, "that" serves multiple grammatical purposes that can confuse even native speakers. This comprehensive guide will explore the various uses of "that" and help you master its proper application in your writing.
The Three Primary Uses of "That"
There are three very different uses of "that" that every English speaker should understand. First, "that" can function as a demonstrative pronoun, as in "I know that this is the answer." Here, "that" points to a specific thing or idea previously mentioned or understood from context. Second, "that" can serve as an adjectival modifier, as in "That is not the answer." In this case, it describes or modifies a noun that follows it. Third, "that" can introduce a clause, as in "That answer is not correct," where it begins a complete thought or explanation.
The complexity of "that" goes beyond these basic functions. Actually, there's more to this than mentioned in some other answers you might find online. The word "that" is a subordinator, which means it introduces dependent clauses that cannot stand alone as complete sentences. It's important to note that it is not a relative word like "who," "where," "when," or "which." These relative pronouns introduce relative clauses that provide additional information about a noun, while subordinating conjunctions like "that" introduce clauses that function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs within a sentence.
Modern Usage Trends and Slang
For the past few years, I have been hearing people say "that tracks," which has become increasingly popular in casual conversation and social media. My search on Green's Dictionary of Slang yielded nothing with this exact phrase, suggesting it's a relatively new addition to our linguistic repertoire. "That tracks" essentially means "that makes sense" or "that aligns with what I expected," showing how "that" continues to evolve in contemporary usage.
When examining sentences with multiple instances of "that," it's helpful to identify their different functions. The first 'that' would be a conjunction, something like "I thought that" or "I feel that." The second 'that' would be a pronoun, such as "that wasn't a thing" or "that was no surprise." Understanding these distinctions can help you use "that" more effectively and avoid confusion in your writing.
Punctuation Rules for "That"
I would like to know if you can use "that" with a comma after it. The answer depends on the context and the type of clause being introduced. Findings show that, during the initial stages of love, there is increased blood flow to the brain. In this example, the comma after "that" is used because it introduces a non-restrictive clause that provides supplementary information. However, when "that" introduces essential information, no comma is typically needed.
Sentence Structure and Clarity
When deciding whether to include "that" in a sentence, consider clarity and readability. "He will understand that I was not joking" and "He will understand I was not joking" are both correct. Which of the sentences is correct? Both are grammatically acceptable, though the version without "that" is more concise and common in modern English. However, including "that" can sometimes improve clarity, especially in complex sentences where its omission might cause momentary confusion.
Are there any specific rules about the use of "that"? While there are no absolute rules, there are helpful guidelines. In formal writing, including "that" can add precision and formality. In informal contexts, omitting "that" often sounds more natural and conversational. The key is consistency within a piece of writing and ensuring that your meaning remains clear regardless of your choice.
Professional Editing Considerations
I just 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, but I'm still uncertain about the distinction. This experience highlights how even professional editors may have different preferences regarding "that" usage, particularly in academic writing where precision is paramount.
"That" as a Subordinating Conjunction
That can introduce an explanatory dependent clause, providing additional information or clarification about the main clause. For example, "She explained that the project would be delayed" uses "that" to introduce the explanation of what she explained. This function is crucial for building complex sentences that convey detailed information efficiently.
That indicates a specific quality of the object in question, or a subset of a larger set. For instance, "I want that book on the top shelf" specifies which book from all possible books. What indicates the object in question itself, or serves as a general reference? The distinction between "that" and "what" is important: "that" points to something specific, while "what" can be used more broadly or when the specific identity is unknown or unimportant.
Relative Clauses and "That"
Both your examples are grammatical, demonstrating that "that" can be used correctly in various contexts. However, that may be omitted from this kind of relative clause when, as in your examples, it is the object of the verb in the relative clause. For instance, "The book that I read was fascinating" can become "The book I read was fascinating" without losing meaning. You will see that I have edited the title of your question to reflect this principle of omission when clarity permits.
Social Media and Modern Communication
I'm betting that most people know exactly what I am talking about when it comes to the casual use of "that" in everyday conversation. It happens when you're scrolling through some social media and you see something that is only a little funny, and someone comments "that's it" or "that's the vibe." These casual uses demonstrate how "that" has become deeply embedded in our informal communication patterns, often serving as a kind of verbal punctuation that adds emphasis or agreement.
My search on Green's Dictionary of Slang yielded some interesting results about how "that" functions in contemporary slang and internet culture. The second 'that' would be a pronoun, such as "that wasn't a thing" or "that's the tea," showing how versatile and adaptable this small word remains in evolving language contexts.
Academic Writing and Professional Communication
She essentially changed all of the instances in which I had written "given that" to "given." I've noticed this change affects the tone and formality of the writing. In academic and professional contexts, such editorial decisions can significantly impact how information is perceived and understood by readers.
What indicates the object in question itself, or serves as a demonstrative reference? The answer lies in understanding the context and the writer's intent. (You will see that I have edited the title of this section to emphasize the importance of context in determining the appropriate use of "that" in professional writing.)
Conclusion
The word "that" may be small, but its impact on English communication is enormous. From its grammatical functions as a subordinator, demonstrative pronoun, and adjectival modifier to its evolving role in modern slang and social media, "that" continues to shape how we express ourselves in writing and speech. Understanding the various uses of "that" and when to include or omit it can significantly improve your writing clarity and effectiveness. Whether you're crafting an academic paper, composing a social media post, or engaging in casual conversation, mastering the nuances of "that" will help you communicate more precisely and confidently. Remember that while there are guidelines for using "that," flexibility and context are key to determining the most effective approach for your specific communication needs.
