That...That...and more That...
By Jellen
@Jellen (1852)
United States
February 22, 2009 8:45pm CST
How do you use "that" correctly? How often can you omit the word that from a sentence and have it be proper? I once had a professor who marked me down for every that that she located in my writing. It got to where I was afraid to use that, even when a that was called for in the sentence.
I know it has something to do with being a direct object, but I'm a little fuzzy on it and could use some pointers.
4 responses
@scott18 (14)
• United States
23 Feb 09
Well, I noticed at least one "that" too many in this.
You wrote,
"...a professor who marked me down for every that that she located...."
It should read,
"...a professor who marked me down for every 'that' WHICH she located...."
(Note also the quotes around the word 'that' - an underline would also suffice)
I suggest a thesaurus. A paperback will fit on any desk and can even be carried around with you.
1 person likes this
@Jellen (1852)
• United States
23 Feb 09
Now I know not to do that that. But trust me, I've read it in print before. How would a thesaurus on the desk help with the word 'that'? And would you put the question mark outside like I just did? And is it fine to use single quotation marks? I read that it is accept? Way too many question. Hope you don't mind.
@fifileigh (3615)
• United States
27 Feb 09
i use "that" all the time. in my novel and in my online writing jobs. i even use the word "that" twice next to each other in a sentence. it doesnt look right, but it sounds right together.
@ErrollLeVant (4353)
• United States
23 Feb 09
Now THAT is a good question! I preach to my computer each Monday (voice recognition software), and then I copy it to a word document for correction. One of the frequent changes I have to make is the removal of THAT.
@iakulchen (615)
• Singapore
23 Feb 09
Actually the use of "that" is perfectly fine in your sentence. "Which" is also correct. As far as I'm aware the only instances that I can recall where "that" may not be used in place of "which" as a relative pronoun would be the "rule" regarding restrictive modifiers. It's not a rule that everyone follows , but some people have been taught that way.
