det

that

thuht

det

Used to point out a specific thing, person, or idea, especially one that is more distant (in space, time, or attention) than something called "this."

"That house on the hill used to belong to my grandmother."

"I don't like that idea at all."

pron

Used in place of a noun already mentioned, to refer to it again.

"That's exactly what I meant."

"Who told you that?"

Used to introduce extra information about a noun already mentioned (a relative clause), similar to "which" or "who."

"The book that you lent me was fantastic."

conj

Used to introduce a clause explaining or reporting something, often after verbs like "say," "think," or "know."

"She said that she would be late."

"I know that you tried your best."

adv

To the degree just mentioned; so.

"I didn't think it would be that difficult."

How to Use That

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishOne of the most common words in English — used to point things out, refer back to something, or link clauses together.

Common mistake

In relative clauses, "that" and "which" often overlap, but many style guides reserve "which" for non-essential extra detail set off by commas: "the car that broke down" (identifies which car) vs "my car, which is red, broke down" (extra detail).

Word Forms

those plural, those plural, thats plural

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_____ house on the hill used to belong to my grandmother.

Etymology

From Old English þæt, the neuter form of the demonstrative that also gave us "the." It has been part of English since its earliest recorded stages.

Antonyms

here there this yon yonder

Related Words

army here this so thither there yon yonder

Rhymes for that

hat what chat shat phat somewhat Snapchat

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