Omitting "that" Can someone please tell me what are the "rules" for omitting "that" in sentences? Thank you |
Re: Omitting "that" It depends on the grammatical function. 1. When it's a conjunction - ie in sentences like : They said that they couldn't do it./ They said they couldn't do it It's possible that he doesn't know about it. /It's possible he doesn't know about it. then there is no "rule" - it's a matter of speaker choice. Generally, it's omitted in everyday spoken language, but is more likely to be included in more formal varieties of the language. 2. When it's a demonstrative adjective (Give me that book) or pronoun (I saw that!) it's obligatory. 3. When it functions as a defining relative pronoun, it follows the ordinary rules for relative pronouns - ie it can be used or omitted when in object position : I saw the man that/who she talked to. or I saw the man she talked to. but is obligatory in subject position: I need the train that/which goes to Oxford. |
Re: Omitting "that" Hello, I have problems with "that" when it acts like subordinate conjunction. Are there some "rules" (that?) we can refer to when we want to omit it? I know it can be deleted after "frequent" words such as: know, say, find, feel, seem(?), believe (refference Grammar Girl : Omitting “That” :: Quick and Dirty Tips ) It seems (that?) it helps if we learn those words which permit omission by heart. Thanks |
Re: Omitting "that" As I said - it can always be omitted when it's a subordinating conjunction, and in everyday conversation usually is. It makes no difference what it follows, so there's no point learning a list. If you're doing anything other than eg giving a speech, writing an essay etc, omit it. It's a matter of speaker/writer choice, determined by the level of formality that you want to achieve. |
Re: Omitting "that" Thanks. |
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