What is that? Pronunciation and usage in English

that means . Learn how to pronounce and use that through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of that

thatpronoun

/ðat/
Definition & pronunciation of that

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "that" in English. It's a tricky one because it varies a little based on where you are from (regional accents are important!). Here's a breakdown of the most common pronunciations:

1. The Most Common (General American) Pronunciation:

  • Sounds like: /ðæt/ (like the "th" in "this" and "that")
  • Breakdown:
    • "th" sound: This is the key. It's a voiced "th" – your vocal cords vibrate. Try saying "this" and then add an "a" at the end.
    • "t" sound: A standard, unvoiced "t" sound. The tongue taps the alveolar ridge (the bumpy part behind your upper teeth).
    • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("that").

2. Southern American Pronunciation (and some other regional variations):

  • Sounds like: /dæt/ (like the "d" in "dad")
  • Breakdown: This is very common in the Southern United States, and you'll hear it in parts of Texas, the Carolinas, and other areas. The "th" sound is replaced with a "d" sound.

3. British English Pronunciation:

  • Sounds like: /ðæt/ (also like the "th" in "this" and "that") - it's very similar to the General American pronunciation. However, the "th" sound is always voiced.
  • Note: In British English, it’s less common to have a "soft" or unvoiced "th" in words like "that."

Tips for Practicing:

  • Listen to Native Speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it. Search on YouTube for "how to pronounce 'that' in English" and listen to various pronunciations. Pay attention to how they shape their mouth.
  • Record Yourself: Record yourself saying "that" and compare it to a native speaker.
  • Focus on the "th" sound: This is really the core of the difference. Practice the voiced "th" sound on its own.
  • Exaggerate at First: When you're learning, it can help to slightly exaggerate the pronunciation to get a feel for the sounds.

Resources:

  • YouGlish: https://youglish.com/ - Type "that" in the search bar and it will show you videos of native speakers using the word in context.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/ – This website has pronunciations recorded by native speakers from all over the world.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Australia, etc.)
  • Are you trying to sound like a specific accent?

Usage and examples with the word that in English

Let's break down how to use the word "that" in English. It's surprisingly versatile and can have a few different roles! Here's a breakdown of the most common uses, with examples:

1. As a Relative Pronoun (Referring to a noun)

  • Function: "That" connects a clause (a group of words with a subject and verb) to a noun. It acts like "who," "which," or "that" in this context.
  • Example: “The book that I borrowed from the library is due tomorrow.”
    • “That” refers back to “the book.” It’s introducing a clause explaining which book.
  • Other Examples:
    • “The car that he bought is very fast.” (Refers to “the car”)
    • “This is the restaurant that we went to last week.” (Refers to “the restaurant”)

2. Introducing a Clause (Without Referring to a Specific Noun)

  • Function: "That" introduces a clause that expresses a statement, belief, or opinion. It often implies a conclusion or inference. It’s like saying "I think..." or "It's clear that..."
  • Example: “I think that he's telling the truth.” (Expresses an opinion.)
  • Example: “It’s clear that the weather will change.” (States a conclusion.)
  • Example: "She said that she was tired.” (Reports what someone said.)

3. As a Demonstrative Pronoun (Replacing a Noun)

  • Function: "That" can replace a previously mentioned noun. It’s similar to “that one” or “the one.”
  • Example: “I like the red one, that one over there.” (Replacing “the red one”)
  • Important Note: When used as a demonstrative pronoun, “that” often comes before the noun it replaces.

4. In Redundancy (Often Considered Less Formal)

  • Function: "That" can occasionally be used where “which” would be more appropriate, especially in informal speech. However, many style guides prefer to avoid this redundancy.
  • Example: “The house that overlooks the lake is beautiful.” (Some would say “The house which overlooks the lake…” – though “that” is perfectly acceptable in casual conversation.)

Key Differences and When to Use Which vs. That

This is a common point of confusion! Here's a quick guide:

Feature That Which
Function Introduces a clause; refers to a noun (often implies a conclusion) Used to identify specific things within a group; introduces a non-restrictive clause (adds extra information).
Referent Often replaces a noun. Specifies a particular member of a group.
Example "I know that you're busy." “The book which I borrowed was excellent.”

Important Rules & Notes:

  • ‘That’ vs. ‘Which’: Generally, use “that” when introducing a clause expressing an opinion or a statement. Use “which” when you are defining a specific thing within a group or list. If you’re unsure, “which” is often the safer choice, especially in formal writing.
  • Contractions: “That” contracts to “it’s” or “that’s.”
  • Possessive Form: The possessive form of “that” is “that’s” (short for “that is”).

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing are you working on? (e.g., essays, emails, creative writing?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you're unsure how to use "that"?

Synonyms for the word that

Practice with vocabulary that

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate word.

  1. The CEO announced ______ the merger would proceed as planned next quarter.
  2. Look at ______ graph here; it clearly shows the upward trend in sales.
  3. The decision ______ was made yesterday will have a significant impact on our operations.
  4. The team leader asked ______ the main obstacle to project completion was.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

Choose the correct answer(s) for each blank. There may be more than one correct option.

  1. It was widely reported ______ the company's Q3 earnings exceeded expectations. a) what b) that c) which d) whether
  2. We need to identify the factors ______ influence customer satisfaction. a) that b) which c) what d) where
  3. I believe ______ solution you proposed is the most viable one. a) this b) what c) that d) whose
  4. Could you please clarify ______ was discussed during the morning briefing? a) that b) what c) which d) how
  5. ______ files on my desk need to be processed urgently. a) that b) these c) which d) those

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions.

  1. The manager approved the proposal. The proposal outlined new marketing strategies. (Combine using "that")
  2. His dedication to the project surprised everyone. (Rewrite using an emphatic "it...that" structure)
  3. It is expected that the report will be submitted by Friday. (Rewrite without using "that")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. that
  2. this
  3. that
  4. what

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) that
  2. a) that, b) which
  3. a) this, c) that
  4. b) what
  5. b) these, d) those

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The manager approved the proposal that outlined new marketing strategies.
  2. It was his dedication to the project that surprised everyone.
  3. The report is expected to be submitted by Friday.

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