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Anonymous Posted 21 years ago
Grammar
The demonstrative pronoun "that"
I am having difficulty grapsing the usage of "that" in some clauses. Native speakers seem to make "that" come before singular nominative nouns, however sometimes I see it appear randomly.
I cannot give a proper example at this time. For such a common word, its use is very uncertain.
I cannot give a proper example at this time. For such a common word, its use is very uncertain.
Top answer
Why don't you post some examples that trouble you as you find them -- it's pretty hard to comment on this without specific examples.
- Why don't you post some examples that trouble you as you find them -- it's pretty hard to comment on this without specific examples.
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3 Answers
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Why don't you post some examples that trouble you as you find them -- it's pretty hard to comment on this without specific examples.
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"John knew she would arrive at nine."
Sometimes "that" seems to be placed between "knew" and "she" in everyday conversation, and yet other times it is omitted. I'm wondering if there is a preference or if it's a common mistake.
Sometimes "that" seems to be placed between "knew" and "she" in everyday conversation, and yet other times it is omitted. I'm wondering if there is a preference or if it's a common mistake.
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"That" is a conjunction in that case ("John knew" and "she would arrive at nine" are two clauses hooked together by the "that"). The conjunction "that" is dropped routinely in common speech and even in some newspapers to save space. It'd be wise to include it in formal usage.
I don't know why it's so frequently dropped, but it's been so for quite a while (centuries). My guess i
I don't know why it's so frequently dropped, but it's been so for quite a while (centuries). My guess i
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