That-when to use and leave out?

Because it it a test, designed to see if you can use that + the correct personal pronoun to complete the sentence. To remove that you would use speech marks.

He said that he was feeling much better - reported speech

He said,"I am much better." - direct speech

Hi Dave,

Is the following sentence ok?

He replied he hadn't finished.

Is it ok?

It's so vital it gets done.

goatHi Dave, Is the following sentence ok?He replied he hadn't finished.

Yes.

I agree with Dave although I'm of the opinion that "that" is more likely to be used with "replied", which is a rather formal word and in formal writing "that" is usually not left out. On the other hand, both "said" and "thought" are words used in casual conversation (informal) where the omission of "that" is common.

And finally,

Miki shouted that she couldn't hear us.
Why do we use 'that' here?

I have understood well but I need your explanation, please.

Again it isn't required but could be added to make one sound more formal.

I've just checked my grammar book (Practical English Usage by Michael Swan)

It says that "that" can be omitted after many common reporting verbs, such as say and think. It also says that "that" cannot be dropped after certain verbs including reply, telegraph, shout etc.

In conclusion, I can only say that if you're not sure whether to include "that" or omit it, opt

goatI don’t know why ‘that’ is left out and included in the sentences.

Don't feel bad about it. No one else knows either. The factors which influence this choice have been discussed at length by the experts. Some writers who attempt to explain it focus on the subject of the sentence. For example, I've seen the claim that after "I" that is omitted mo

I have understood very well. Practical English Usage by Michael Swan is a good book. It talks about this.

Thanks very much for your precious time and help, Dave, Ivanhr, CJ