''that''

Question

These are the things that I like.These are the thing I like.Well, can anyone state any difference? What is the purpose of that?Second scenario:I told him that I am going to school.I told him I am going to school.Any significant difference?

Cool Breeze · Accepted Answer

michaeltingThese are the things that I like.
These are the things I like.
Well, can anyone state any difference? What is the purpose of that?

There is no difference in meaning. Omitting the relative pronoun makes the sentence a little more informal. I never thought that had a "purpose". The relative can be left out in restrictive/defining relative clauses when it is the object of a verb (like).

michaeltingI told him that I was going to school.
I told him I was going to school.

The conjunction that is often omitted, especially when it begins a clause that is an object.

CB

Ivanhr · Answer

"That" is often omitted after common reporting verbs such as say, tell, suggest etc. With some other verbs "that" is not normally left out.

He said he was going to school. (ok )

He replied that he was going to school. (you shouldn't omit the that here)

She telephoned that she was coming. (you can't normally leave out "that" here)

Michaelting · Answer

Thanks for the replies.

So,

That can be omitted in certain scenarios. That clears up the confusion. I always thought that I need 'that' in all the time.

''that''

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