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Ryansamturner Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Quick question regarding 'that'.

ryansamturner:
In the below sentence do you think it is better with or without 'that'.

But, I was sure that we'd be safe enough on a Saturday afternoon, as long as we kept ourselves to ourselves.
Or
But, I was sure we'd be safe enough on a Saturday afternoon, as long as we kept ourselves to ourselves.

Thanks
  

Top answer

There's not a lot in it, really. There are some rules about when "that" is obligatory or inadmissible, but your example is one where it is optional. Generally, (I believe) "that" is more likely to be omitted after short and common verbs than after longer and less frequent ones, so I'd say your example is better without it, especially informally.

— BillJ

  • There's not a lot in it, really.
  • There are some rules about when "that" is obligatory or inadmissible, but your example is one where it is optional.
  • Generally, (I believe) "that" is more likely to be omitted after short and common verbs than after longer and less frequent ones, so I'd say your example is better without it, especially informally.
  • BillJ
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1 Answers
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There's not a lot in it, really. There are some rules about when "that" is obligatory or inadmissible, but your example is one where it is optional. Generally, (I believe) "that" is more likely to be omitted after short and common verbs than after longer and less frequent ones, so I'd say your example is better without it, especially informally.

BillJ
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