Replacing the word that

Here is the that-less equivalent of your question, except for when it is quoted,

I’ve recently become aware of the frequency where my use of the word «that» has been way too much, especially in academic writing. I’ve noted particular cases where I use «that» almost exclusively after words like «implies» (Within my encounters, such situations usually require the usage of «that»).

I guess my having a problem with this word is apparent by now. Unlike standard single-word-requests having a particular description which the word needs to satisfy, I’m just looking for a word which would function like «that» (or a combination of words which could be used to replace «that»). Having expressed my requirements, did I give anyone cancer?

Alternatively, in clearer language …

I’ve recently become aware of the extreme frequency with which I use the word «that», especially in academic writing. I’ve noted the peculiarity where I use «that» almost exclusively after words like «implies» (As far as I am aware, such phrases usually require the use of «that»).

I guess I do have a problem with this word. Unlike standard single-word-requests specifying a particular description which the word needs to satisfy, I’m simply looking for a word which would function like «that» (or a combination of words which could be used to replace «that»). Having expressed my requirements, have I given anyone cancer yet?

Explanation

That could have these uses

• pronoun
• adjective/adverb
• conjunction

Pronoun abuse

In US English (as well as in pidgin, creole and certain British vernacular styles), there seems to be an annoying replacing of which/who with that. There, you already have the simplest case solved.

Use

I met the girl who robbed me at the coffee shop.
This is the house which I wish to purchase.
He is the man whom I wish to marry.

not

I met the girl that robbed me at the coffee shop.
This is the house that I wish to purchase.
He is the man that I wish to marry.

Adjectival/adverbial use

You could rephrase

The car insurance was that expensive …

as

The car insurance was of such expense …

However, I don’t think you should avoid adjectival/adverbial use of that.

Conjunctive use

Insurance for the car was of such expense that I had decided not to buy the car.

vs

Insurance for the car was of such expense, due to which I had decided not to buy the car.

vs

Insurance for the car was of very expensive and therefore, I had decided not to buy the car.

vs

Due to the expensiveness of its insurance, I had decided not to buy the car.

For a few years during elementary school, virtually every sentence my friends and I uttered included the word “like.” This awful speech habit led to plenty of well-deserved ridicule, which made me determined to stop overusing unnecessary words. I thought I was succeeding on this front for years, until I started doing freelance writing assignments for a client who wasn’t a fan of superfluous words, including “that.” Then, I learned just how guilty I was of overusing the word “that” in my writing. It was basically my new, written version of “like.”

While phasing out “like” was pretty simple, removing unnecessary uses of “that” from my writing proved challenging because this word legitimately belongs in many sentences. To help you avoid similar grief, today I’d like to share a few tips for avoiding overusing “that” and using “that” in a sentence correctly.

When to Use ‘That’ in a Sentence

First, it’s important to know when “that” is really needed in a sentence. This word frequently attaches dependent clauses to independent clauses, and it is strictly necessary if a clause begins with certain subordinating conjunctions, such as before, while and in addition to. “That” also should be used before clauses that clarify a noun.

• She said that although the sunrise workout sounded like a brilliant idea, sleeping in also sounded good.
• The notion that their project would be finished by the original deadline was laughable.

“That” additionally should appear after certain verbs, such as contend, estimate and point out. If you’re a native speaker, you can probably intuitively identify many of these verbs.

• He enthusiastically declared that he would stop procrastinating tomorrow.

You also should use “that” if a sentence would sound awkward without it. If you’re in doubt, include it, since this does less harm than incorrectly omitting it.

When to Leave Out ‘That’

To decide whether you can omit “that” from a sentence, check how naturally and intelligibly the sentence reads without it. Usually, you can drop “that” if it follows a verb that essentially means “to say.” This omission mimics natural speech and shouldn’t change the meaning of the sentence.

• The children claimed an ice cream break would help them study more effectively.
• She insisted she wasn’t responsible for the houseplant’s untimely death.

However, it’s usually better to keep “that” if other words fall between the verb and the dependent clause.

• The kids also said this morning that a television break would enhance their studying.
• She admitted begrudgingly that she might have contributed to the plant’s demise.

You also can usually omit “that” if it precedes a simple relative clause.

• Neither of them was particularly excited about the compromise (that) they reached.

Using ‘That’ Twice in a Row

When you’re trimming unnecessary uses of “that” from your writing, be sure to pay attention to sentences where it appears multiple times or even twice in a row (“that that”). These sentences can be grammatically correct but stylistically undesirable. For example, at BKA, we use Associated Press Style, which requires sentences to be constructed in a manner that eliminates consecutive uses of “that.”

• He confessed that that plan had been formulated on three hours of sleep.
• He confessed that they had only slept three hours when they formulated that plan.

Even if you’re not following a strict style guide, it’s often beneficial to try revising sentences to avoid using “that” too redundantly.

Using ‘That’ or ‘Which’

It can be tempting to cut back on “that” by replacing it with “which,” but these words aren’t actually interchangeable. “That” introduces information that is integral to the meaning of a sentence, while “which” precedes information that is non-essential and offset by commas.

• The first kindergarten class that all 31 students attended was miraculously free of mishaps.
• The first kindergarten class, which all 31 students attended, was miraculously free of mishaps.

In this example, each sentence has a distinct meaning. The first describes a specific class when all 31 students were present for the first time, while in the second, the attendance of all 31 kids is a non-essential detail.

Got All That?

Striking the right balance between overusing the word “that” and omitting it improperly takes a little thought, but with practice, it should become second nature. What other common words do people overuse? Tell us about it in the comments section! If you’re looking for help on grammar rules, check out some of our other GrammarSpot posts.

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.

1. 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.