Is the word "that" in this sentence necessary?

Question

I have a problem... I hope you guys can help me... In the sentence "I have recently found (that) I am eligible for the job", is the word "that" necessary?

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

No, "that" is not necessary in that sentence. <img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' alt='Emotion: smile'/>

Guest · Answer

But does that mean that the inclusion of "that" is incorrect?

CalifJim · Answer

No.  Include or exclude.  Both are correct.

Guest · Answer

So when will the word "that" is necessary?

(Eh, and can you fix my question?

)

This is similar to my question here: http://www.EnglishForward.com/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=46138

CalifJim · Answer

So when is the word "that" necessary?

In the examples you are concerned with, where "that" is a complementizer (connecting to another clause), the word "that" is never absolutely necessary. In formal writing I would use it. In informal writing or conversation, I sometimes include it and sometimes leave it out. If some ambiguity could result from omitting it, it would be better to include it.

Is the word "that" in this sentence necessary?

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