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Laralee24 Posted 23 years ago
Grammar

The use of 'that'

Which is correct and why?

I was told she liked chocolate.
I was told that she liked chocolate.

I am not sure when the word that is required and when it is not necessary.
  

Top answer

They are both correct. "that" is optional in reported speech.

  • They are both correct.
  • "that" is optional in reported speech.
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4 Answers
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They are both correct. "that" is optional in reported speech.
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Optional? What is "reported" speech? Is it truly an unnecessary word, i.e. adds no value at all, does not change the meaning, emphasis, etc.?
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Hi Lara, welcome to the forums.

It adds no immediate value at all in that context; it doesn't change the meaning or emphasis!
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most romance languages require relative pronouns to be stated (who, that, which, where), but english does not. those of us who study hese languages tend to use relative pronouns in english more often than the average person. on rare occasion, they may clarify a sentence, but for the most part, may be eliminated without consequence.

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