Is It Necessary to Use the Word 'That' in English Writing?

When it comes to improving your writing, many elements contribute to how effectively the message is conveyed. One such element is the use of the word 'that' in English sentences. The question often arises: is it necessary to use 'that'? The answer is more nuanced than a simple 'yes' or 'no.'

Why Should You Avoid 'That'

There are compelling reasons to avoid using 'that' in your writing, and the primary motive is to enhance clarity and precision. Clarity is crucial in conveying your message effectively. Using specific nouns helps your readers understand exactly what you are referring to. Instead of saying 'that,' you can opt for more specific terms.

Precision is another critical factor. Specific language enhances the precision of your writing. For example, instead of 'the book that I like,' you can say 'the book I like.' This not only clarifies your point but also makes your text more vivid and engaging for your readers.

Furthermore, professionalism in writing reflects a higher level of expertise. In formal writing, the use of precise language demonstrates a more sophisticated command of the language. This not only appeals to your readers but also positions you as a credible source of information.

Is It Always Necessary to Use 'That'?

While there are many compelling reasons to avoid using 'that,' it’s important to note that there are situations where it is indeed necessary. There are instances where the word 'that' serves a crucial function in sentence structure and clarity.

Firstly, 'that' can be necessary for the sentence to hang together. Sometimes, without 'that,' the sentence structure would be grammatically incorrect. In such cases, 'that' is indispensable.

Secondly, 'that' can improve sentence clarity. If omitting 'that' leaves the sentence ambiguous or confusing, it’s best to retain it for clarity’s sake.

Lastly, in a more formal style of writing, leaving 'that' in often makes the sentence sound more refined and formal. While this does not always apply, it's a stylistic choice that enhances the overall tone of the text.

When to Use 'That'

To get a clearer perspective on the usage of 'that,' consider these examples:

'That' as a Relative Pronoun

In the sentence, 'This is the book I like,' you can add 'that' without changing the meaning significantly: 'This is the book that I like.' Similarly, 'Over there is the desk I use' can be rewritten as 'Over there is the desk that I use.' In these cases, 'that' is redundant but still acceptable.

'That' as a Conjunction

Consider the sentence, 'She said she read the book.' If you expand it to state 'She said that she read that book,' the meaning remains the same, but 'that' is more commonly omitted: 'She said she read the book.' The conjunction 'that' is used to introduce a noun clause.

Notable Exceptions

Relational Use of 'That' and 'Which'

It is worth noting that 'that' and 'which' are often used interchangeably in similar contexts. For example, 'The book that/which I like is Jane Eyre. ' or 'The book I like is Jane Eyre.' Both sentences are grammatically correct, and 'that' or 'which' can be used depending on the context and personal preference.

Conjunction vs. Relative Pronoun

'That' can serve as a conjunction or a relative pronoun. For instance, 'Jack told me he visited Spain last year' can be expanded to 'Jack told me that he visited Spain last year,' where 'that' introduces a noun clause in the latter sentence.

Learning to Use 'That' Effectively

Aside from the grammatical basis, the quality of writing can be analyzed by looking at well-written texts. One tip is to open up a book that is known to be especially well written. Focus on the stylistic choices the author makes. This can provide insight into effective sentence structure and the use of 'that' or its omission.

Not all well-crafted books are great on the sentence level; some may be exciting but not necessarily renowned for their sentence-level writing. It’s important to learn to tell the difference between great writing and merely good writing. Paying attention to the sentence-level writing of the best writers can greatly improve your own writing skills.

Ultimately, the decision to use 'that' or not depends on the context and the desired tone of your writing. Experimenting with both approaches can help you find the right balance for your specific goals.