That

Definition

'That' is a demonstrative pronoun and a conjunction used to indicate or refer to something specific within a given context. It plays a vital role in distinguishing between different entities or ideas, often guiding listeners or readers to the intended reference. Additionally, 'that' can function as a relative pronoun, linking clauses and providing essential information about nouns in sentences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'That' can function both as a demonstrative pronoun and as a conjunction, serving different grammatical purposes depending on its usage in a sentence.
2. 'That' helps clarify references by indicating something that is either physically present or conceptually defined within the context of conversation.
3. In relative clauses, 'that' is often used to specify which noun is being referred to, making it crucial for providing necessary information without ambiguity.
4. The use of 'that' can affect the meaning of sentences, as omitting it may change the clarity and specificity of what is being discussed.
5. 'That' is often employed in restrictive relative clauses, where it serves to define the noun it modifies and is essential for understanding the sentence.

Review Questions

• How does the use of 'that' as a demonstrative pronoun differ from its use as a relative pronoun?
  • 'That' serves different functions based on its grammatical role. As a demonstrative pronoun, it points to specific entities or ideas in a conversation, helping to clarify what is being referred to. In contrast, when used as a relative pronoun, 'that' introduces a relative clause that adds essential information about a noun, linking it to further details within the sentence.
• Discuss the importance of 'that' in maintaining clarity and specificity in written and spoken communication.
  • 'That' plays a crucial role in ensuring clarity by indicating precise references within discourse. When it is used effectively, 'that' helps prevent ambiguity by clearly identifying what is being discussed. In both written and spoken forms, using 'that' appropriately enhances comprehension and aids in the flow of ideas, as it connects statements and elaborates on nouns without confusion.
• Evaluate how the omission of 'that' can impact sentence structure and meaning, providing examples to support your analysis.
  • Omitting 'that' can significantly alter the meaning and clarity of sentences. For instance, in the sentence 'I think that he is coming,' removing 'that' results in 'I think he is coming.' While both sentences convey similar meanings, the version with 'that' may emphasize the thought process more clearly. In restrictive relative clauses, such as 'The book that I read was fascinating,' omitting 'that' could lead to confusion regarding which book is being referenced if multiple books are involved. Therefore, understanding when to use or omit 'that' is vital for effective communication.

Related terms

Demonstrative Pronouns: 'Demonstrative pronouns' are words like 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those' used to point to specific things or people in relation to the speaker's position.

Relative Pronouns: 'Relative pronouns' are words like 'who,' 'whom,' 'whose,' 'which,' and 'that' that introduce relative clauses, providing additional information about a noun.

Anaphora: 'Anaphora' refers to the use of a word or phrase that refers back to another word or phrase previously mentioned in discourse, often creating cohesion in text.