by R. S. Karunaratne

Many uses of 'that'

'That' is a determiner and a pronoun. The plural of 'that' is 'those' can also be used as a conjunction, relative pronoun and an adverb.

1. We use 'that' to refer to things or people not near you.

Can you see that skyscraper?

Do you know that boy riding a pony?

That is our old parliament building.

2. We use 'that' to refer to what has been said or done.

A: I'm not sitting the exam this year.

B: Why is that?

A: I opened the bottle without an opener.

B: How did you do that?

3. We use 'that' to report what people say.

Sandy said that her house had been burgled.

We all agree that putting up a house is a difficult task.

The suspect denied that he stole my watch.

I suggest that we should adjourn the meeting.

4. We use 'that' to talk about what people believe, hope, or remember.

I don't believe that my brother has enemies.

We hope that everything would come to a successful end.

She cannot remember that I was her neighbour.

5. We use 'that' to report what people say.

Siri told me that you had resigned.

I reminded Nicky that he owed me Rs. 100.

6. We use 'that' to say that something is said or believed without saying by whom. It is reported that the body of the missing man was found on the beach.

It has been suggested that Bob should be promoted soon.

7. We use 'that' to express beliefs and feelings about situations.

Are you sure that there are ghosts?

I am glad that you have come back to Sri Lanka.

Do you think that the death penalty should be reintroduced?

8. 'That' is used to identify the exact person or thing you are referring to.

Have you met the new manager that assumed duties yesterday?

The boy that you referred to yesterday is coming to meet me.

9. There are certain verbs that always go with 'that'.

I know that you are angry with me.

To say that he is a miser is an understatement.

I see that you have improved your handwriting.

We are going to show that Sri Lanka will be a miracle island.

They think that you are idling!

He advised me that I should obtain an all-country passport.

We are pleased to inform you that you have been promoted to the special grade.

I promise that I'll never leave you!

This incident reminded me that I should always bring my mobile phone.

They showed that there are many roads to success.

We were taught that the Earth moves round the Sun.

How many times have I told you that you are always late?

I bet that you can't climb Everest!

We were informed that we would be transferred to Jaffna.

10. Set phrases

A: You're a trainee journalist, aren't you?

B: Of course, that's right.

A: I'm sorry about what happened.

B: That's all right/That's ok.

(It does not matter)

I want to follow a degree course, that is, if I get through my A/L.

I'm going to London next week, and that's that. (that is the final decision)