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Heralding Heretic Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

use of that

Greetings,

As the title already spoiled, I have a question about the use of 'that'. In some situations 'that' can be omitted despite that it is grammatically correct to use it. Yet when one would use 'that' on ever occasion that it is permissible, a text can get a bit diluted. Now my question is, are there any concrete guidelines on this or it is it more a case of personal taste?

Thanks.
  

Top answer

In careful writing, I personally think (that) it is usually better to include optional "that". Exceptions might be when two or more occur in close proximity, or in certain particularly common idiomatic combinations. I especially dislike the omission of "that" when it leaves a "verb + object" grouping that can be misread.

— GPY

  • In careful writing, I personally think (that) it is usually better to include optional "that".
  • Exceptions might be when two or more occur in close proximity, or in certain particularly common idiomatic combinations.
  • I especially dislike the omission of "that" when it leaves a "verb + object" grouping that can be misread.
  • For example, "He promised everyone would come" (you read "everyone" as the object of "promised", then have to backtrack when the sentence doesn't work out).
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2 Answers
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In careful writing, I personally think (that) it is usually better to include optional "that". Exceptions might be when two or more occur in close proximity, or in certain particularly common idiomatic combinations. I especially dislike the omission of "that" when it leaves a "verb + object" grouping that can be misread. For example, "He promised everyone would come" (you read "everyone" as the ob
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Thank you for replying. I actually share your assessment, certainly about "verb + object" confusion.
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