Introduction
Have you ever wondered about the importance of proper punctuation in English? If so, you may have thought about how to properly use the word "that" when writing a sentence. "That" is one of the most commonly used words in the English language, and it is important to understand how to use it correctly. In this article, we will discuss the rules for properly using "that" in written English.
Rule 1: Use "that" as a pronoun
One of the most common uses of "that" is as a pronoun. In this case, "that" replaces a noun or noun phrase in a sentence. For example:
- The book that I am reading is very interesting.
- The cat that I saw outside was black and white.
In both of these examples, "that" is used as a pronoun to replace the noun phrase (the book, the cat).
Rule 2: Use commas to set off "that" phrases
When "that" is used to introduce a dependent clause, it should be set off by commas. For example:
- He told me, "that he would be late for the meeting."
- She said, "that she wanted to go to the beach this weekend."
In both of these examples, "that" is used to introduce a dependent clause (he would be late for the meeting, she wanted to go to the beach). The comma before "that" sets off the dependent clause from the rest of the sentence.
Rule 3: Avoid using "that" unnecessarily
One common mistake in using "that" is to use it unnecessarily. In many cases, "that" can be omitted without changing the meaning of the sentence. For example:
- I knew that the store was closed. (fine)
- I knew the store was closed. (fine)
In both of these examples, "that" can be omitted without changing the meaning of the sentence.
Rule 4: Use "that" after verbs of perception
Verbs of perception (such as see, hear, and feel) are often followed by "that" when an object clause is used. For example:
- I heard that he was getting married.
- She saw that the car was parked in the wrong spot.
In both of these examples, "that" is used after a verb of perception to introduce an object clause.
Rule 5: Use "that" with comparatives and superlatives
When comparing two or more things, "that" is often used with comparatives and superlatives. For example:
- This book is better than that one.
- He is the tallest boy in the class.
In both of these examples, "that" is used to compare one thing to another or to indicate a superlative.
Conclusion
Proper punctuation is essential for effective communication in English, and understanding how to use the word "that" correctly is an important part of this. By following the rules outlined in this article, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and easy to understand.