The word “that” is used as a relative pronoun to introduce a restrictive relative clause, which provides essential information about the noun it follows. Here are some guidelines on when to use “that”:
- Use “that” when you need to define the noun more specifically:
- The book that Maya wrote has just been published. (The clause “that Maya wrote” specifies which book.)
- Do not use “that” when the clause is non-restrictive or adds extra information that isn’t essential to the meaning of the sentence:
- Farley’s new phone, which he bought yesterday, has stopped working. (The clause “which he bought yesterday” is additional information and the sentence would still make sense without it.)
- Do not use “that” with commas to introduce extra information:
- Incorrect: The blue whale is the largest animal, that ever lived.
- Correct: The blue whale is the largest animal that ever lived.
- “That” can be omitted when it is the object of the verb in the relative clause:
- This is the house Jack built. (Instead of “This is the house that Jack built.”)
Remember, “that” is used for essential information, without which the sentence would lose its intended meaning. For non-essential additions, “which” is more appropriate, and it is often set off with commas.
Source: bing.com
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