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Debpriya De Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Adverb or relative pronoun

1. I remember the day that we met.
2. We moved here the year (that) my mother died.
3. This is the only time that I have been on a plane.
What is the function of "that" in these sentences ?
Are these adverbs or relative pronouns ?
  

Top answer

I think in these sentences "that" is acting as a conjunction and can be left out.

— LouiseT

  • I think in these sentences "that" is acting as a conjunction and can be left out.
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17 Answers
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I think in these sentences "that" is acting as a conjunction and can be left out.
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LouiseT is correct. In case you're interested in the grammar, it works like this: the function of 'that' in your examples is 'marker of subordination'. Although it seems to be a relative pronoun, it actually belongs to the word class (part of speech) 'subordinator'. You understandably asked if 'that' is an adverb because it could be seen as answering the question 'when', i.e. meaning something re
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BillJAlthough it seems to be a relative pronoun, it actually belongs to the word class (part of speech) 'subordinator'.
If you recognize relative pronouns at all, can you give me your list of them? Actually, a representative sample will do. Thanks.

CJ
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BillJLouiseT is correct. ... it actually belongs to the word class (part of speech) 'subordinator'.
LouiseT said "that" was a conjunction. So you're saying that (all) subordinators are conjunctions?

CJ
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I would never be so bold as to say that anything is alwaysanything in the English language. Emotion: smile
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LouiseTI would never be so bold as to say that anything is always anything in the English language.
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CalifJim
BillJLouiseT is correct. ... it actually belongs to the word class (part of speech) 'subordinator'.
LouiseT said "that" was a conjunction. So you're saying that (all) subordinators are conjunctions?

CJ

Yes. In modern linguistics, "subordinator" and "coordinator" are seen as distinct primary categories
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BillJYes. In modern linguistics, "subordinator" and "coordinator" are seen as distinct primary categories (parts of speech), rather than just subclasses of the larger class of 'conjunction'. In other words, they are conjunctions, but 'kinds of', so "subordinator" = "subordinating conjunction" and "coordinator" = "cordinating conjunction". That's all.
Got it.
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CalifJimBy the way, any thoughts about relative pronouns vs. subordinators? See below

I get the impression you are putting that (The coat that I bought ...) in one category and which (The coat which I bought ...) in another. Have I got that right? Yes
The wh- relative words such as "who", "whom", "which", "where", "when", "why", "what", "whoev
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BillJThe wh- relative words such as "who", "whom", "which", "where", "when", "why", "what", "whoever" etc. introduce relative clauses. Traditional grammar also analyses the "that" which introduces relative clauses as a relative pronoun, comparable to "which" or "who", but it's better regarded as a subordinator, the same one as is found in declarative content clauses such
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