You use that to refer back to an idea or situation expressed in a previous sentence or sentences.
They said you particularly wanted to talk to me. Why was that?
'Hey, is there anything the matter with my sisters?'—'Is that why you're phoning?'.
Some feared Germany might raise its interest rates. That could have set the scenefor a confrontation with the U.S.
That is also a determiner.
Their main aim is to support you when making a claim for medical treatment. For thatreason the claims procedure is as simple and helpful as possible.
2. determiner
You use that to refer to someone or something already mentioned.
The Commissioners get between £50,000 and £60,000 a year in various allowances. Butthat amount can soar to £90,000 a year.
The biggest increase was on the cheapest model, the CRX-HF. That car had a 1990 baseprice of $9,145.
3. determiner
When you have been talking about a particular period of time, you use that to indicate that you are still referring to the same period. You use expressions such as that morning or that afternoon to indicate that you are referring to an earlier period of the same day.
The story was published in a Sunday newspaper later that week.
That morning I had put on a pair of black slacks and a long-sleeved black blouse.
4. pronoun
You use that in expressions such as that of and that which to introduce more information about something already mentioned, instead of repeating the noun which refers to it.
[formal]
The cool air and green light made the atmosphere curiously like that of an aquarium.
Pollution falls into two categories, that which we can see or smell, and that whichis invisible and odourless.
5. pronoun
You use that in front of words or expressions which express agreement, responses, or reactions to what has just been said.
'She said she'd met you in England.'—'That's true.'
'I've never been to Paris.'—'That's a pity. You should go one day.'
6. determiner
You use that to introduce a person or thing that you are going to give details or information about.
[formal]
In my case I chose that course which I considered right.
That person who violates the law and discriminates should suffer in his career.
That which is used to introduce a subject in very general terms.
Too much time is spent worrying over that which one can't change.
7. determiner
You use that when you are referring to someone or something which is a distance away from you in position or time, especially when you indicate or point to them. When there are two or more things near you, that refers to the more distant one.
Look at that guy. He's got red socks.
Where did you get that hat?
You see that man over there, that man who has just walked into the room?
That is also a pronoun.
Leo, what's that you're writing?
That looks heavy. May I carry it for you?
8. pronoun
You use that when you are identifying someone or asking about their identity.
That's my wife you were talking to.
That's John Martin, operations chief for the company.
'Who's that with you?'—'A friend of mine.'.
I answered the phone and this voice went, 'Hello? Is that Alison?'
9. determiner
You can use that when you expect the person you are talking to to know what or who you are referring to, without needing to identify the particular person or thing fully.
[spoken]
I really thought I was something when I wore that hat and my patent leather shoes.
Did you get that cheque I sent?
That idiot porter again knocked on my door!
That is also a pronoun.
That was a terrible case of blackmail in the paper today.
That was a good year, wasn't it?
10. adverb [ADVERB adjective/adverb]
If something is notthat bad, funny, or expensive for example, it is not as bad, funny, or expensive as it might be or as has been suggested.
Not even Gary, he said, was that stupid.
It isn't that funny.
He didn't look that bad.
Kids don't change that fast.
11. adverb [ADVERB adjective/adverb]
You can use that to emphasize the degree of a feeling or quality.
[informal, emphasis]
I would have walked out, I was that angry.
Do I look that stupid?
They actually moved down from upstairs because the rent's that expensive.
12. See also those
13.
See and that/and all that
14.
See at that
15.
See that is/that is to say
16.
See that is it
17.
See that's it
18.
See just like that
19.
See that is that
20. like that
21. this and that
22. this, that and the other
English Easy Learning GrammarDemonstrativesDemonstratives are used to specify the distance of something in space or time in relationto the speaker. The demonstratives are: this, that, these, those. This ... Read more
English Easy Learning GrammarDeterminersDeterminers are words that make the reference of nouns more specific. If I say ‘thiscar’ it is clear that I mean a particular car which is near me. If ... Read more
English Easy Learning GrammarNoun phrases with several determinersMost noun phrases contain only one determiner or none at all, but if there are more,they follow a definite order. Determiners can be divided into four ... Read more
that conjunction and relative pronoun uses
(ðət, STRONG ðæt)
1. conjunction
You can use that after many verbs, adjectives, nouns, and expressions to introduce a clause in whichyou report what someone has said, or what they think or feel.
He called her up one day and said that he and his family were coming to New York.
We were worried that she was going to die.
I welcome the news that attacks on women on the railways are 19 per cent down.
2. conjunction
You use that after 'it' and a link verb and an adjective to comment on a situation or fact.
It's interesting that you like him.
I've made up my mind, but it's obvious that you need more time to think.
It's extraordinary that he left without making a public statement about the situation.
3. pronoun
You use that to introduce a clause which gives more information to help identify the person or thing you are talking about.
...pills that will make the problem disappear.
...a car that won't start.
You should have learned to walk away from things that don't concern you.
...the house that they have lived in throughout their married lives.
4. conjunction
You use that after expressions with 'so' and 'such' in order to introduce the result or effectof something.
She became so nervous that she shook violently.
She came towards me so quickly that she knocked a chair over.
Unfortunately it made such a revolting brew that it was worse than drinking no teaat all.
The effect on our blood chemistry is such that it produces physical changes in ourentire body.
that in British English
(ðæt, unstressed ðət)
determiner(used before a singular noun)
1.
a.
used preceding a noun that has been mentioned at some time or is understood
that idea of yours
b.
(as pronoun)
don't eat that
that's what I mean
2.
a.
used preceding a noun that denotes something more remote or removed
that dress is cheaper than this one
that building over there is for sale
b.
(as pronoun)
that is Sandra and this is her mother
give me that
Compare this
3.
used to refer to something that is familiar
that old chap from across the street
4. and that
5. at that
6. like that
7. that is
8. that's more like it
9. that's that
10. with that
conjunction(subordinating)
11.
used to introduce a noun clause
I believe that you'll come
12. Also: so that, in order that
used to introduce a clause of purpose
they fought that others might have peace
13.
used to introduce a clause of result
he laughed so hard that he cried
14.
used to introduce a clause after an understood sentence expressing desire, indignation, or amazement
oh, that I had never lived!
adverb
15.
used with adjectives or adverbs to reinforce the specification of a precise degree already mentioned
go just that fast and you should be safe
16. Also: all that(usually used with a negative) informal
(intensifier)
she wasn't that upset at the news
17. dialect
(intensifier)
the cat was that weak after the fight
pronoun
18.
used to introduce a restrictive relative clause
the book that we want
19.
used to introduce a clause with the verb to be to emphasize the extent to which the preceding noun is applicable
genius that she is, she outwitted the computer
▶ USAGE Precise stylists maintain a distinction between that and which: that is used as a relative pronoun in restrictive clauses and which in nonrestrictive clauses. In the book that is on the table is mine, the clause that is on the table is used to distinguish one particular book (the one on the table) from another orothers (which may be anywhere, but not on the table). In the book, which is on the table, is mine, the which clause is merely descriptive or incidental. The more formal the level of language,the more important it is to preserve the distinction between the two relative pronouns;but in informal or colloquial usage, the words are often used interchangeably
Word origin
Old English thæt; related to Old Frisian thet, Old Norse, Old Saxon that, Old High German daz, Greek to, Latin istud, Sanskrit tad
that in American English
(ðæt)
pronounWord forms: pluralthose
1. as a demonstrative
a.
the person or thing mentioned or understood
that is John; that tastes good
b.
the thing farther away than another referred to as “this”
this is larger than that
c.
the more remote in thought of two contrasted things
of the two possibilities, this is more likely than that
d. [pl.]
certain people
those who know
2. as a relative pronoun, now often omitted, esp. in sense that (sense 2a)
a.
who, whom, or which
the road (that) we took
b.
where; at which; on which
the place that I saw her
c.
when; in which; on which
the year that I was born
adjectiveWord forms: pluralthose
3.
designating the person or thing mentioned or understood
that woman is Mary; that pie tastes good
4.
designating the thing farther away than the one referred to as “this”
this house is larger than that one
5.
designating the more remote in thought of two contrasted things
of the two, this possibility is more likely than that one
6.
designating something or someone not described but well known or easily recognizable
sometimes with implications of disparagement
that certain feeling, there comes that smile!, that George!
conjunction
7.
a subordinating conjunction used to introduce:
a.
a noun clause expressing a supposed or actual fact
that she's gone is obvious; the truth was that we never saw her; it was true that we never saw her
b.
an adverbial clause expressing purpose
they died that we might live
c.
an adverbial clause expressing result
you ran so fast that I couldn't catch up
d.
an adverbial clause expressing cause
I'm sorry that I caused you such annoyance
e.
an elliptical sentence expressing surprise, indignation, or desire
that you should say such a thing! oh, that this day would be over!
adverb
8.
to that extent; so [I can't see that far ahead]
also used informally before an adjective modified by a clause of result [I'm that tired I could drop]
9. US, Informal
very; so very
used in negative constructions
I didn't like the book that much
Idioms:
all that
at that
that is
that's that!
Word origin
ME < OE thæt, nom. & acc. neut. of the def. article (nom. masc. se, nom. fem. seo), akin to Ger neut. nom. & acc. das < IE demonstrative base *-to-, *-tā- > there, thither, L istud, that, talis, such
Examples of 'that' in a sentence
that
Why that is the case is more difficult to understand.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
We thought that was funny so we put it in the show!
The Sun (2016)
He is so serious about this that he has planted an olive tree outside his office.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Yet he feels that improves his business.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
The two men were angry that demonstrators had blocked a road they were driving down.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
That is just how it is.
The Sun (2016)
You've got to be bigger than that.
The Sun (2016)
There are many aspects of this case that are directly relevant to church treasurers.
Christianity Today (2000)
You can use any images that suit you.
Westcott, Patsy Alternative Health Care for Women (1991)
We have learnt that monetary policy is not like that.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
It could just be that you make really bad movie choices.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Unlimited tariffs do not give us that currency.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Why do we always feel that murder makes a victim public property?
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The other big one is that international commodity prices have risen steeply.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Who else are you going to get to do that?
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The trouble is that the cumulative effect of those clashes build.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The idea is that drivers will come and have a chat.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Forget that argument about footballers earning too much money.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Odd to think that it was only last month.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Doctors wondered whether the fact that they were wearing wigs was connected.
Steel, Elizabeth Coping With Sudden Hair Loss (1988)
There is concern that rising public frustration will increase instability.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
It was also about the use that cultures made of ambassadorial myths to assert their superiority.
Jonathan Wright Ambassadors: From Ancient Greece to the Nation State (2006)
They mean they like you that size because it makes them feel better about themselves.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
It may therefore be presumed that the time will come to make there a very large and rich settlement.
Glyn Williams VOYAGES OF DELUSION: The Search for the North West Passage in the Age of Reason (2002)
The audience kept laughing at things that weren't funny.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The bad news is that the new show is a very hit-and-miss affair.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
It's quite funny to think that a plank of wood can feel panic.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
I would say that now is really one of the happiest times in my life.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
In other languages
that
British English: that /ðæt; ðət/ DETERMINER
referring tosomething previously mentioned You use that to talk about something that you have mentioned before.
For that reason the claims procedure is as simple and helpful as possible.
American English: that
Arabic: ذَلِك
Brazilian Portuguese: esse/essa
Chinese: 那
Croatian: taj
Czech: ten
Danish: denne
Dutch: die
European Spanish: ese
Finnish: tuo
French: ce
German: das
Greek: εκείνος
Italian: quello
Japanese: あの
Korean: 그
Norwegian: så
Polish: tamten
European Portuguese: esse/essa
Romanian: acel
Russian: который
Latin American Spanish: ese
Swedish: som
Thai: อย่างนั้น
Turkish: şu
Ukrainian: той
Vietnamese: đó
British English: that /ðæt; ðət/ CONJUNCTION
joining clauses You use that to join two different things you are saying.
I felt sad that he was leaving.
American English: that
Arabic: أَنَّ
Brazilian Portuguese: que
Chinese: 引导宾语从句的关系代词
Croatian: jer
Czech: že
Danish: at
Dutch: dat
European Spanish: que
Finnish: että
French: que
German: dass
Greek: ότι
Italian: che
Japanese: ･･･ということ
Korean: ...이라는 것
Norwegian: som
Polish: że
European Portuguese: que
Romanian: deoarece
Russian: что
Latin American Spanish: que
Swedish: att
Thai: เพราะว่า
Turkish: ki
Ukrainian: що
Vietnamese: rằng
British English: that /ðæt; ðət/ PRONOUN
denoting something previously mentioned You use that to talk about something that you have mentioned before.
They said you wanted to talk to me. Why was that?
American English: that
Arabic: ذَلِك
Brazilian Portuguese: que
Chinese: 那个
Croatian: ono
Czech: to
Danish: som
Dutch: dat
European Spanish: ése
Finnish: tuo
French: cela
German: der
Greek: αυτός
Italian: che
Japanese: あれ
Korean: 저것
Norwegian: den
Polish: tamten
European Portuguese: que
Romanian: despre ce
Russian: это
Latin American Spanish: ése
Swedish: den där
Thai: นั้น
Turkish: şunu
Ukrainian: цей
Vietnamese: điều đó
British English: that /ðæt; ðət/ DETERMINER
referring to a person or thing a distance away You use that to talk about somebody or something a distance away from you.
Look at that car over there.
Who's that beautiful girl?
American English: that
Arabic: ذَلِكَ
Brazilian Portuguese: aquele, aqueles
Chinese: 那个指远处的人或物
Croatian: taj
Czech: tamten
Danish: den
Dutch: die
European Spanish: ese
Finnish: tuota
French: ce
German: dieser
Greek: εκείνος
Italian: quello
Japanese: あの
Korean: 저, 그
Norwegian: den
Polish: tamten
European Portuguese: aquele
Romanian: acel
Russian: тот
Latin American Spanish: eso
Swedish: den där
Thai: คนหรือสิ่งนั้น
Turkish: şu
Ukrainian: той
Vietnamese: đó
British English: that /ðæt; ðət/ PRONOUN
person or thing a distance away You use that to talk about somebody or something a distance away from you.
Who's that?
American English: that
Arabic: ذَلِكَ
Brazilian Portuguese: aquele, aqueles
Chinese: 那指远处的人或物
Croatian: ovaj
Czech: tamta
Danish: det
Dutch: dat
European Spanish: eso
Finnish: tuo
French: ce
German: das
Greek: εκείνος
Italian: quello
Japanese: あれ
Korean: 저 사람, 저것
Norwegian: det
Polish: tamten
European Portuguese: aquele
Romanian: cine
Russian: это
Latin American Spanish: eso
Swedish: den där
Thai: คนหรือสิ่งนั้น
Turkish: bu
Ukrainian: той
Vietnamese: đó
British English: that /ðæt; ðət/ PRONOUN
who or which You use that to show which person or thing you are talking about.
There's the girl that I told you about.
American English: that
Arabic: ذَلِكَ
Brazilian Portuguese: o qual/a qual
Chinese: 那指将要谈的人或物
Croatian: koji
Czech: tamto
Danish: som
Dutch: waarover
European Spanish: que
Finnish: josta
French: celui-là
German: dieses
Greek: ο οποίος
Italian: che
Japanese: 言及する人や物を限定する
Korean: 그 사람, 그것
Norwegian: den
Polish: ten
European Portuguese: aquele
Romanian: care
Russian: который
Latin American Spanish: ese
Swedish: som
Thai: คนหรือสิ่งนั้น
Turkish: ki o
Ukrainian: який
Vietnamese: mà
All related terms of 'that'
that'd
That'd is a spoken form of 'that would', or of 'that had' when 'had' is an auxiliary verb .
that's
That's is a spoken form of 'that is'.
at that
You use at that after a statement which modifies or emphasizes what you have just said .
in that
You use in that to introduce an explanation of a statement you have just made.
so that
used to introduce a clause of purpose
that is
to be precise
that'll
That'll is a spoken form of 'that will'.
all that
You use all that in statements with negative meaning when you want to weaken the force of what you are saying .
and that
everything connected with the subject mentioned
but that
about the fact that
like that
You say like this , like that , or like so when you are showing someone how something is done.
not that
which is not to say or suppose that
such that
so that: used to express purpose or result
with that
thereupon ; having said or done that
that is that
You use that's that to say there is nothing more you can do or say about a particular matter .
that's that
there is no more to be done, discussed , etc
except that
but for the fact that; were it not true that
how's that?
If you say ' How's that? ' to someone, you are asking whether something is acceptable or satisfactory .
that's it
You use that's it to express agreement with or approval of what has just been said or done .
would that
If you say ' would that ' something were the case, you are saying that you wish it were the case.
failing that
You say failing that to introduce an alternative , in case what you have just said is not possible .
fancy (that)!
can you imagine (that)!
that is it
You use that's it to indicate that nothing more needs to be done or that the end has been reached .
that's all
You can say that's all at the end of a sentence when you are explaining something and want to emphasize that nothing more happens or is the case .
and all that
and similar or associated things; et cetera
as all that
as one might expect or hope
be all that
to be exceptionally good, talented, or attractive
for all that
in spite of that
of that ilk
of the place of the same name: used to indicate that the person named is proprietor or laird of the place named
that's life
People say ' That's life ' after an unlucky , unpleasant, or surprising event to show that they realize such events happen occasionally and must be accepted.
that will do
If you say that will do to a child, you are telling them to stop behaving in the way that they are.
considering that
You use considering that to indicate that you are thinking about a particular fact when making a judgment or giving an opinion .
drink to that
People say ' I'll drink to that ' to show that they agree with and approve of something that someone has just said .
get so (that)
to reach the point or state where
given that sth
If you say given that something is the case, you mean taking that fact into account .
granted (that) …
even assuming that
in order that
used to introduce a clause of purpose
it's just that
You use the expression it's just that when you are making a complaint , suggestion , or excuse , so that the person you are talking to will not get annoyed with you.
just like that
You use just like that to emphasize that something happens or is done immediately or in a very simple way, often without much thought or discussion .
like this/that
You use like this or like that when you are drawing attention to something that you are doing or that someone else is doing.
seeing as/that
You can use seeing that or seeing as to introduce a reason for what you are saying .
that's better
You say ' That's better ' in order to express your approval of what someone has said or done , or to praise or encourage them.
that's enough!
You say ' that's enough ' to tell someone, especially a child, to stop behaving in a silly , noisy , or unpleasant way.
the fact that
You use the fact that after some verbs or prepositions , especially in expressions such as in view of the fact that , apart from the fact that , and despite the fact that , to link the verb or preposition with a clause .
this and that
If you say that you are doing or talking about this and that , or this, that, and the other you mean that you are doing or talking about a variety of things that you do not want to specify.
for that matter
You can use for that matter to emphasize that the remark you are making is true in the same way as your previous , similar remark.
how's that for…?
is this satisfactory as regards…?
is that a fact?
You say is that a fact? as a response to a statement which you find surprising , interesting, or unlikely .
leave it at that
to take a matter no further
on condition that
When you agree to do something on condition that something else happens , you mean that you will only do it if this other thing also happens.
Chinese translation of 'that'
that
(ðæt)
Word forms:demonstrative pl adjdemonstrative pl pronthose
adj
那 (nà)
that man/woman/book那个(個)男人/女人/那本书(書) (nàge nánrén/nǚrén/nà běn shū)
the girl that came in进(進)来(來)的那个(個)女孩 (jìnlái de nàge nǚhái)
the man that I saw我见(見)过(過)的那个(個)男的 (wǒ jiànguo de nàge nán de)
the woman that you spoke to和你说(說)过(過)话(話)的那个(個)女的 (hé nǐ shuōguo huà de nàge nǚ de)
all that I have我所有的一切 (wǒ suǒyǒu de yīqiè)
the day that he came他来(來)的那天 (tā lái de nà tiān)
conj
引导宾语从句的关系代词
he thought that I was ill他以为(為)我病了 (tā yǐwéi wǒ bìng le)
it's interesting that you should agree有趣的是你竟然同意了 (yǒuqù de shì nǐ jìngrán tóngyì le)
I'm so happy that I could sing for joy我高兴(興)得唱起了歌 (wǒ gāoxìng de chàngqǐle gē)
adv
(= so) 如此 (rúcǐ)
that much/bad/high如此多/糟糕/高 (rúcǐ duō/zāogāo/gāo)
All related terms of 'that'
that one
那个(個) nàge
that place
那个(個)地方 nàge dìfang
that's that
就这(這)样(樣)了 jiù zhèyàng le
failing that
不然的话(話) bùrán de huà
given that ...
考虑(慮)到 ... kǎolǜ dào ...
say that ...
( suppose ) 假设(設) ... jiǎshè ... ⇒ Say you won a million pounds. → 假设你赢了100万英镑。 Jiǎshè nǐ yíngle yī bǎi wàn yīngbàng.
that figures
( inf ) 那不足为(為)怪 nà bùzú wéi guài
at that point
那时(時) nàshí
except that ...
除了 ... chúle ...
in that case
既然是那样(樣) jìrán shì nàyàng
is that all?
( anything else? ) 那就是全部吗(嗎)？ nà jiùshì quánbù ma?
is that you?
是你吗(嗎)？ shì nǐ ma?
namely that ...
就是说(說) ... jiùshì shuō ...
at that instant
在那一瞬间(間) zài nà yī shùnjiān
at that moment
当(當)时(時) dāngshí
for that matter
( used for emphasis ) 而且 érqiě
that book there
在那边(邊)的那本书(書) zài nàbiān de nà běn shū
to say that ...
( verbally ) 说(說) ... shuō ... ⇒ He said that he'd broken his arm. → 他说他的手臂断了。 Tā shuō tā de shǒubì duàn le. ⇒ She said that I was to give you this. → 她叫我把这个给你。 Tā jiào wǒ bǎ zhège gěi nǐ.
to see that ...
( realize, notice ) 意识(識)到 ... yìshídào ... ⇒ I could see she was lonely. → 我察觉到她很孤独。 Wǒ chájuédào tā hěn gūdú.