How To Use That Is In A Sentence

Mastering the Versatile "That": A Comprehensive Guide to its Usage in English Sentences

The word "that" is a small word, but it packs a powerful punch in the English language. It's one of those words that seems simple at first glance, but its multifaceted nature can lead to confusion. This comprehensive guide will delve into the various ways "that" is used in sentences, offering clear explanations, examples, and practical tips to help you master this essential grammatical element. We'll explore its roles as a pronoun, a relative pronoun, a conjunction, and a demonstrative adjective, clarifying the nuances of each usage. Understanding "that" will significantly improve your writing clarity and grammatical accuracy.

Understanding the Multiple Roles of "That"

Before diving into specific examples, it's crucial to understand that "that" can function in several different grammatical capacities:

• Relative Pronoun: This is perhaps the most common usage. "That" introduces a relative clause, adding extra information about a noun or pronoun.
• Demonstrative Adjective: "That" can point to something specific, often at a distance.
• Conjunction: "That" can connect clauses, often introducing a dependent clause.
• Pronoun: Though less common, "that" can act as a pronoun, referring to a previously mentioned noun or idea.

Let's examine each role in detail.

1. "That" as a Relative Pronoun

As a relative pronoun, "that" introduces a relative clause, modifying a noun or pronoun preceding it. This clause provides additional information about the noun or pronoun. The key difference between "that" and other relative pronouns like "who," "whom," and "which" lies in its versatility. While "who" refers to people, "whom" to people as the object of a verb or preposition, and "which" to things, "that" can refer to both people and things. However, "that" is generally preferred in restrictive clauses (essential clauses that limit the meaning of the noun).

Examples:

• Restrictive Clause: The book that I borrowed from the library is overdue. (Here, "that" introduces a restrictive clause defining which book is overdue.)
• Restrictive Clause (referring to a person): The woman that won the lottery is my neighbor. (Here, "that" refers to a person within a restrictive clause.)
• Non-restrictive Clause (less common with "that"): My car, which is very old, needs a new engine. (While grammatically possible to use "that" here, "which" is generally preferred in non-restrictive clauses, which are set off by commas and add non-essential information.)

Note: While "that" can sometimes be omitted in restrictive clauses, especially in informal settings, it's generally considered better practice to include it for clarity.

2. "That" as a Demonstrative Adjective

As a demonstrative adjective, "that" points to a specific noun or pronoun. It often indicates something that is further away from the speaker than "this."

Examples:

• That car is beautiful. (Referring to a distant car)
• That idea sounds interesting. (Referring to a previously mentioned idea)
• I don't like that color. (Referring to a specific color)

3. "That" as a Conjunction

"That" often acts as a conjunction, introducing a noun clause that functions as the subject, object, or complement of a verb. These clauses often follow verbs of saying, thinking, believing, knowing, and perceiving.

Examples:

• I believe that he is innocent. (Noun clause as the object of the verb "believe")
• It is important that you attend the meeting. (Noun clause as the subject of the verb "is")
• The fact that she lied surprised everyone. (Noun clause as the subject of the verb "surprised")

4. "That" as a Pronoun

This usage is less common than the others, but "that" can sometimes function as a pronoun, referring back to a previously mentioned noun phrase or idea.

Examples:

• The weather is terrible today; I hate that. (Referring to the terrible weather)
• The noise was unbearable; I couldn't stand that. (Referring to the unbearable noise)

Using "That" Effectively: Tips and Considerations

• Clarity over Ambiguity: Always ensure that the use of "that" is crystal clear. Avoid ambiguous sentences where the intended meaning is unclear.
• Restrictive vs. Non-restrictive Clauses: Remember the difference between restrictive and non-restrictive clauses and the preferred relative pronouns for each. Using "that" incorrectly in a non-restrictive clause can lead to grammatical errors.
• Formal vs. Informal Settings: While omitting "that" in restrictive clauses is common in informal settings, maintain grammatical precision in formal writing by including it.
• Consistency: Maintain consistency in your use of relative pronouns throughout your writing. Switching between "that" and "which" inconsistently can disrupt the flow and clarity of your writing.
• Sentence Structure: Pay attention to the overall sentence structure. Ensure that the clauses introduced by "that" are grammatically correct and contribute meaningfully to the sentence.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Misusing "That" in Non-Restrictive Clauses: Avoid using "that" in non-restrictive clauses. Use "which" instead. Remember, non-restrictive clauses are set off by commas and provide additional, non-essential information.
• Omitting "That" When Necessary: While omission is acceptable in informal settings for restrictive clauses, it's better to include "that" in formal writing for clarity. Omission can sometimes lead to ambiguity.
• Incorrect Placement of "That": Ensure "that" is placed correctly within the sentence, introducing the clause that it modifies. Incorrect placement can dramatically alter the meaning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use "that" and "which" interchangeably?

A: While both are relative pronouns, they are not entirely interchangeable. "That" is generally preferred in restrictive clauses (essential information), while "which" is preferred in non-restrictive clauses (additional, non-essential information).

Q: When can I omit "that"?

A: In informal settings, "that" can be omitted in restrictive clauses, particularly when the clause is short and the meaning is clear without it. However, for formal writing, it's best to include "that" for grammatical precision.

Q: What's the difference between "that" and "who"?

A: "Who" is used to refer to people, while "that" can refer to both people and things. "That" is generally preferred in restrictive clauses, regardless of whether it refers to people or objects.

Q: Is it ever correct to use "that" as a conjunction and a relative pronoun in the same sentence?

A: While grammatically possible, it is generally avoided for clarity. Using "that" in multiple roles within a single sentence can make it difficult for the reader to parse the meaning. It's usually better to restructure the sentence for improved readability.

Conclusion: Mastering the Power of "That"

The seemingly simple word "that" holds a surprisingly complex and versatile role within the English language. By understanding its various functions as a relative pronoun, demonstrative adjective, conjunction, and occasionally even a pronoun, you can significantly improve your grammatical precision and writing clarity. Mastering the use of "that" will elevate your writing, making it more concise, accurate, and impactful. Remember the key guidelines, avoid common pitfalls, and practice using "that" in different sentence structures to solidify your understanding. With practice, you will confidently use this versatile word to express your ideas clearly and effectively.