GrammarPhile Blog

Use of That

Posted by Phil Jamieson   Oct 2, 2012 5:30:00 AM

A venerable client wrote recently and asked, "Should 'that' be added before 'innovation' in the following sentence?"

At our firm, we know innovation often results from hard work and long hours.

We took our answer from The Gregg Reference Manual:

As a subordinating conjunction, that links the dependent clause it introduces with the main clause. That is often omitted (but understood).

We realize that our bargaining position is not a strong one.
or:  We realize our bargaining position is not a strong one.

However, under certain circumstances that should not be omitted:

When the word or phrase following that could be misread as the object of the verb in the main clause.

  • INCORRECT: I heard your speech next Wednesday had to be rescheduled.
  • CORRECT: I heard that your speech next Wednesday had to be rescheduled.

When that introduces two or more parallel clauses.

  • INCORRECT: Hilary said she had narrowed the applicants for the job down to three people and that she would announce her choice by this Friday.
  • CORRECT: Hilary said that she had narrowed the applicants for the job down to three people and that she would announce her choice by this Friday.

When an introductory or interrupting element comes between that and the subject of the dependent clause.

  • INCORRECT: I think whenever possible, you should consult everyone involved before making a decision.
  • CORRECT: I think that whenever possible, you should consult everyone involved before making a decision.

NOTE: If you are in doubt, do not omit that.

Topics: when to omit that, when to use that, that

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