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that [ stressed at, unstressed ət ] CORE MEANING: a grammatical word used to indicate somebody or something that has already been mentioned or identified, or something that is understood by both the speaker and hearer
  (adj) Do you remember that discussion we had?
(adj) Later that week I saw her again.
(pron) Is that why you're here?
(pron) Don't touch that! |
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1. adjective indicating familiar person or thing: used to refer to somebody or something not described, but familiar to the speaker and hearer and not requiring identification
(adj) Did you read that e-mail I sent?
(adj) that woman we met yesterday
(pron) That was a great year.
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2. adjective indicating distance from speaker: indicating somebody or something a distance away from you, or further away from another, referred to as "this"
(adj) You see that girl over there?
(adj) That bag looks more spacious than this one.
(pron) What's that you're doing?
(pron) That looks much nicer than this.
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3. adjective indicating type: used to characterize a particular type, person, or thing
I really want a sleep that goes on forever.
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4. pron identifying somebody or something: used to introduce a clause giving more information to identify the person or thing mentioned
the committee that deals with such matters
Take the road that forks to the left.
on the day that he left
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5. conj expressing comment or fact: used to introduce a noun clause expressing a comment on a situation or a supposed or real fact
It was clear that she wanted to see the concert.
The report stated that sales were improving.
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6. conj expressing result: used to introduce a clause expressing result or effect
It made such a noise that we had to cover our ears.
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7. conj expressing cause: used to introduce a clause expressing the cause of a feeling
I feel hurt that you should think such a thing.
He's sorry that he told her now.
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8. conj expressing purpose: used to introduce a clause expressing purpose
(
literary
)
We continue to give, that others may receive and live.
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9. conj expressing desire or amazement: used after an understood but unspoken statement such as "I wish" or "If only" to introduce a clause expressing desire, amazement, or indignation
(
literary
)
Oh that I had never set eyes on her!
That you could think such a thing!
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10. adverb to specific degree: used to specify the extent of something
I came that close to hitting the car in front.
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11. adverb so very: used before adjectives to emphasize the quality they are describing
(
informal
)
I didn't think she'd be that upset.
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| [ Old English þæt< Indo-European] |
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that is in other words, or to be specific
You need a further qualification, that is, a Ph.D.
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that's that
1. used to say that something is finished or dealt with
2. used to say that something has been settled and there will be no more discussion on it
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| Word Usage |
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that or which?
The relative pronoun that introduces a restrictive clause, i.e., a clause that is essential for identifying the noun it follows: Any aircraft that has a leaking engine is not airworthy. It is not preceded by a comma. The relative pronoun which introduces a nonrestrictive clause, i.e., one providing additional information about the noun it follows and not essential for its identification: The second house on the block, which was built in 1980, has ten rooms.Which is preceded by a comma, and also followed by one if it does not end the sentence: He gave me a taste of it, which I enjoyed.The largest house, which stands on the corner, is up for sale. A which clause refers only to an inanimate noun or a complete sentence: I arrived late, which annoyed them.
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