that

A child points to that colorful kite in the sky.

Definition

1. Pronoun:

   • Used to refer to a specific person, thing, idea, or event previously mentioned or known: "that" points to something distant in time, space, or thought.
   • As a relative pronoun: introduces a clause that provides essential information about a noun.

2. Determiner:

   • Used to identify a specific person or thing observed or heard by the speaker: "that" indicates something not close to the speaker (contrasted with "this").

3. Adverb:

   • To such a degree or extent: "that" modifies an adjective or adverb to emphasize intensity.

4. Conjunction:

   • Used to introduce a noun clause: "that" connects a subordinate clause to the main verb, often after verbs of thinking, saying, or feeling.
   • Used to express purpose or result: "that" can introduce a clause showing the aim or consequence of an action.

Usage Examples

• Pronoun:

  • That is my book on the table. (Points to a specific book.)
  • I don't like that about him. (Refers to a particular trait.)
  • The house that he built is beautiful. (Relative pronoun modifying "house.")

• Determiner:

  • I want that car, not the red one. (Identifies a specific car.)
  • Those days were difficult. (Plural form "those" for distant time.)

• Adverb:

  • I can't run that fast. (To such a degree of speed.)
  • It's not that expensive. (To such an extent of cost.)

• Conjunction:

  • She said that she would come. (Introduces a noun clause after "said.")
  • He worked hard that he might succeed. (Purpose clause.)
  • It was so hot that we stayed inside. (Result clause.)

Advanced Usage

• "that is": used to clarify or explain what was just said.

  • He is a linguist; that is, he studies languages. (Clarification.)

• "at that": used to add emphasis or indicate something additional.

  • She finished the race, and in record time at that. (Emphasizes the record.)

• "and that": used for emphasis in a list or statement.

  • He brought wine, cheese, and that. (Referring to something else implied.)

• "not that": introduces a negative reason or clarification.

  • I'm not coming, not that I want to miss it. (Clarifies lack of desire.)

Variants and Related Words

• Those (determiner, pronoun): plural form of "that."

  • Those are my friends. (Plural pronoun.)
  • I prefer those shoes. (Plural determiner.)

• Thatness (noun): the quality of being that specific thing (rare, philosophical).

  • The thatness of the object is its identity. (Its specific nature.)

Synonyms

• The: used as a determiner to refer to a specific item (but less emphatic).
• Which: as a relative pronoun (often interchangeable but requires a comma in non-restrictive clauses).
• Such: as an adverb meaning "to that degree" (e.g., ).

Phrasal Verbs

• That out (rare): to identify or point out something clearly.
  • He thated out the error in the report. (Identified it explicitly.)

Related Idioms

• That's that: used to indicate that a matter is settled or finished.

  • We're not going, and that's that. (No further discussion.)

• Like that: in that manner or of that kind.

  • Don't talk to me like that. (In that rude way.)

• That way: in that direction or manner.

  • If you go that way, you'll find the station. (Direction.)

• That said: despite what has just been mentioned.

  • He's very strict. That said, he's fair. (Nevertheless.)