The word “THAT” can be used as a Definite Article, a Conjunction, an Adverb, Pronoun, and Adjective. Take a look at the definitions and examples below to learn how “THAT” works as different parts of speech.
- Definite Article
“That” is classified as a definite article when it is used to indicate something/someone specific that the listeners or readers already know. For instance, read the sample sentence below:
“Pick up that book on the floor.”
The person being talked to knows exactly what “book” the speaker is referring to.
Definition:
a. refers to a specific person or thing, assuming that the person being addressed understands or is familiar with it
- Examples:
- Look at that old woman
- She lived in New York at that time.
- Where is that friend of yours?
2. Conjunction
Sometimes, “that” can also serve as a conjunction by combining two clauses. For instance, in the sentence:
“I bought the materials that are required for the project.”
“That“ is used to introduce the clause “…are required for the project.” It combines the dependent clause with the independent clause, “I bought the materials…”
Definition:
a. used to introduce a clause that is the subject or object of a verb
- Examples:
- He said that he was hungry.
b. used to introduce a clause that completes or explains the meaning of a previous noun or adjective or of the pronoun it
- Examples:
- She was so exhausted that she couldn’t think straight.
c. used to introduce a clause that states a reason or purpose
- Examples:
- The boss seems pleased that I wanted to pursue with the training.
3. Adverb
The word can also be used as an adverb, especially in verbal communication. It is normally used to show the intensity of a particular adjective. Take for example the sentence below:
“He is that old.”
In this sample sentence, the word “that” somehow intensifies and shows the degree of the adjective “old.”
Definition:
a. to the degree that is stated or suggested
- Examples:
- It wasn’t that difficult.
b. to the degree or extent indicated by a gesture
- Examples:
- She wouldn’t go that far.
c. to a great degree
- Examples:
- It was that wide, perhaps even wider.
4. Pronoun
In some cases, the word “that” also functions as a freestanding pronoun. Look at the sample sentence below:
“That’s exactly what I thought.”
It can be presumed that the word “that” is representing or replacing a specific thought.
Definition:
a. used to identify a specific person or thing observed by the speaker
- Examples:
- That is my brother with a new car.
b. referring to a specific thing previously mentioned, known, or understood
- Examples:
- It’s not as bad as all that.
- All the people that were left behind became infected with the virus.
5. Adjective
The word “that” functions as an adjective when it is used to modify a noun. It is also useful in clarifying which noun the speaker is referring to in the sentence. Take for example, the sentence below:
“That cat is so adorable.”
The word “that” modifies “cat” by emphasizing that it is the particular noun being referred to.
Definition:
a. used to indicate which person, thing, or idea is being shown, pointed to, or mentioned
- Examples:
- That building is the oldest in the city.
- Do you want this bag or that one?
b. used to indicate the one that is farther away or less familiar
- Examples:
- I don’t know how it got that way.
The word ‘that’ is a pronoun and an adjective.
The pronoun ‘that’ is a demonstrative pronoun and a relative pronoun.
A demonstrative pronoun is a word that takes the place of a noun indicating near or far in place or time.
The demonstrative pronouns are: this, that, these, those.
A relative pronoun introduces a relative clause, a group of words that includes a verb but is not a complete sentence. A relative clause gives information about its antecedent.
The relative pronouns are: who, whom, whose, which, that.
When the word ‘that’ is placed in front of a noun to describe that noun, it is an adjective.
Examples:
That is a book on my reading list. (demonstrative pronoun)
Any book that is on my reading list will do. (relative pronoun)
I will take that book. (adjective)
The demonstrative adjectives this/that/these/those, which may also be pronouns, tell us where an object is located and how many objects there are.
| This and that are used to point to one object. This points to something nearby, while that points to something “over there.” | |
| Examples: | This dog is mine. This is mine. That dog is hers. That is hers. |
| These and those refer to more than one object. These points to things nearby, while those points to things “over there.” | |
| Examples: | These babies have been smiling for a while. These are mine. Those babies in the nursery have been crying for hours. Those are yours. |
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Examples:
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Hope it helps (: