Word
that
US/ˈðæt/
UK/ðˈæt/
Definition
conj. a word used to connect a main part of a sentence to a new clause that adds more information. You use it to introduce what someone says, thinks, or feels.
conj. introduces a subordinate clause that functions as the object or complement of a verb, adjective, or noun. Often omitted in informal spoken registers when the meaning remains clear.
Examples
“I hope that you have a great day.”
“The scientist argued that the new data would change how we understand the history of the planet.”
“The prevailing philosophical consensus suggests that human consciousness is not a singular entity but rather a complex series of interconnected cognitive processes occurring simultaneously.”
Examples
simple
“I hope that you have a great day.”
contextual
“The scientist argued that the new data would change how we understand the history of the planet.”
complex
“The prevailing philosophical consensus suggests that human consciousness is not a singular entity but rather a complex series of interconnected cognitive processes occurring simultaneously.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “that” in context.
Verb
01. firmly believe that
“They firmly believe that education is the key to success.”
adv + verb + that-clause
02. say that
“The teacher said that we should finish the project by Friday.”
verb + that-clause
03. tell her that
“He told her that he would be late for dinner.”
verb + noun + that-clause
04. think that
“I think that it is going to rain later this afternoon.”
verb + that-clause
Adjective
05. glad that
“I am so glad that you could come to my party.”
adj + that-clause
06. sure that
“Are you sure that you locked the front door?”
adj + that-clause
Noun
07. fact that
“The fact that she arrived early surprised everyone.”
noun + that-clause
08. hope that
“There is a hope that the economy will improve next year.”
noun + that-clause
Usage
Often functions as a complementizer; it can be omitted in informal contexts ('I think that it's raining' vs 'I think it's raining').
Pitfall
He told that he was tired
He said that he was tired
The verb 'tell' requires a personal object (e.g., 'He told me that...') whereas 'say' can be followed directly by a 'that' clause.
Etymology
From Middle English that, from Old English þæt (“the, that”, neuter definite article and relative pronoun), from Proto-West Germanic þat, from Proto-Germanic þat. Cognate to Scots that, Saterland Frisian dät, West Frisian dat, Dutch dat, Low German dat and datt, German dass and das, Danish det, Swedish det, Icelandic það, Gothic 𐌸𐌰𐍄𐌰 (þata). Further from Proto-Indo-European *tód; compare Ancient Greek τό (tó), Sanskrit तद् (tád), Waigali ta, Lithuanian tai̇̃, Polish to.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Grammar
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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