Grammar question re: “that”

[Anonymous]

When do you use the word “that” and when should you delete it?

“I recognize that you are frustrated.”

“I recognize you are frustrated.”

Is it a stylistic choice or a hard and fast rule?

I’m editing something with a group and people are going back and forth deleting and reinserting the word.

[Anonymous]

I recognize that you are frustrated.

versus

I recognize you. Do you live on the 5th floor?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I recognize that you are frustrated.

versus

I recognize you. Do you live on the 5th floor?

In example #1, "you" is the subject of a clause. I think "that" is needed to connect to the clause

in example #2, you is the direct object

[Anonymous]

If it sounds right without it, I think it's best to not use too many. I take it on a sentence by sentence basis. It does bother me when people use "that" instead of "who" when a person is involved. Ex: Susan is a mom who (not "that") spends a lot of time with her kids.

[Anonymous]

that is a conjunction connecting 2 clauses in #1

[Anonymous]

Google says you can opt to drop “that” after a verb.

So “I recognize you are frustrated” seemingly would be correct. Seems like it would be optional.

[Anonymous]

I would use “that” in your example, but it’s not wrong without it.

[Anonymous]

American English often adds unnecessary words to sentences. The first sentence is in American English. The second sentence is British English. Both are correct. That isn't necessary, but you can use it in this sentence.

[Anonymous]

Unfortunately, there's no hard and fast rule. Sometimes it's required, sometimes it's optional. Context matters.

In your example, it's optional, but I would keep it in.

If you are editing something with a group, it's probably in a work context, so I'd err on the side of being more formal and leaving it in.


Detailed explanation here: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/articles/when-to-delete-that/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If it sounds right without it, I think it's best to not use too many. I take it on a sentence by sentence basis. It does bother me when people use "that" instead of "who" when a person is involved. Ex: Susan is a mom who (not "that") spends a lot of time with her kids.

Yep. It happens naturally but yes 'who' for person.

[Anonymous]

GRAMMTIK MACHT FREI

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If it sounds right without it, I think it's best to not use too many. I take it on a sentence by sentence basis. It does bother me when people use "that" instead of "who" when a person is involved. Ex: Susan is a mom who (not "that") spends a lot of time with her kids.

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Unfortunately, there's no hard and fast rule. Sometimes it's required, sometimes it's optional. Context matters.

In your example, it's optional, but I would keep it in.

If you are editing something with a group, it's probably in a work context, so I'd err on the side of being more formal and leaving it in.


Detailed explanation here: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/articles/when-to-delete-that/

Understood.

Fwiw, I’ve been listening to people debate this so much that I can’t decide where I land on the matter.

Honestly, the inclusion of “that” when it’s optional rather than required almost seems less formal/less polished when reading aloud. It sounds more technical than refined.

[Anonymous]

They're both grammatically correct. Stylistic choices depend on context.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unfortunately, there's no hard and fast rule. Sometimes it's required, sometimes it's optional. Context matters.

In your example, it's optional, but I would keep it in.

If you are editing something with a group, it's probably in a work context, so I'd err on the side of being more formal and leaving it in.


Detailed explanation here: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/articles/when-to-delete-that/

Understood.

Fwiw, I’ve been listening to people debate this so much that I can’t decide where I land on the matter.

Honestly, the inclusion of “that” when it’s optional rather than required almost seems less formal/less polished when reading aloud. It sounds more technical than refined.

Including "that" almost makes it more detached, less personal, but I do think it is clearer. Otherwise readers might stop at "I recognize you" and then have the end of the sentence feel cumbersome.