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Guest Posted 22 years ago
Grammar

Could 'that" be omitted in this sentence?

"I regret to inform you are not selected for the job." Is this sentence fully correct, especially when used in a formal reply letter? Or should it be "I regret to inform you that you are not selected for the job."

Thanks in advance for your advice.
  

Top answer

In the first version, the word "you" is the subject of the verb "are" and not the object of the verb "to inform". Therefore, the first version is only acceptable if you are content to use "inform" without "you", which I - personally - am not. Count this post as firm vote for the second one.

— Ollie Veradi

  • In the first version, the word "you" is the subject of the verb "are" and not the object of the verb "to inform".
  • Therefore, the first version is only acceptable if you are content to use "inform" without "you", which I - personally - am not.
  • Count this post as firm vote for the second one.
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2 Answers
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In the first version, the word "you" is the subject of the verb "are" and not the object of the verb "to inform". Therefore, the first version is only acceptable if you are content to use "inform" without "you", which I - personally - am not.

Count this post as firm vote for the second one.
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In addition, a formal letter would probably avoid the first person, use a more formal word for 'job', and use the present perfect:

'We regret to inform you that you have not been selected for this position.'
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