- Do you ever feel unsure whether to use “which” or “that” in a sentence?
- Have you noticed how native speakers often skip the word “that” entirely in conversation?
- Are you looking for the most natural way to link your ideas using common “that” phrases?
Mastering that collocations is a vital step toward achieving natural English fluency. Because “that” is one of the most versatile words in the English language—functioning as a connector, a pointer, and even an intensifier—learning how it naturally pairs with other words helps you move beyond basic translation and start thinking like a native speaker. This guide breaks down these patterns to help you communicate with precision and confidence.
Essential Collocations using THAT as a Determiner and Pronoun
In this role, “that” is used to identify a specific person, thing, or idea. It points to something distinct from the speaker.
Indicating Distance and Specificity
These collocations help you specify exactly which object or idea you are referring to, often in contrast to something closer (“this”).
- That way: Referring to a direction or a specific method.
Example: “If we do it that way, we will save a lot of time.” - That kind of: Referring to a specific category or type.
Example: “I’m not really into that kind of music.” - That specific: Used when highlighting a particular item.
Example: “Why did you choose that specific color for the logo?”
Relative Pronoun Phrases
Here, “that” connects a main clause to a relative clause to give more information about a noun.
- The person that: Identifying a specific individual (often used instead of ‘who’ in modern English).
Example: “He is the person that helped me with the luggage.” - The thing that: Used to highlight a specific fact or object.
Example: “The thing that bothers me most is the noise.” - All that: Used to encompass everything within a context.
Example: “Is all that paperwork really necessary?”
Common Collocations with THAT as a Conjunction
As a conjunction, “that” introduces a subordinate clause. This is perhaps the most frequent use in professional and academic English.
Reporting Verbs and Mental States
We often use “that” after verbs that describe thinking, saying, or feeling.
- Believe that: To hold an opinion or conviction.
Example: “Many experts believe that the economy will recover next year.” - Ensure that: To make certain that something happens.
Example: “Please ensure that all windows are closed before you leave.” - Hope that: Expressing a desire for a future outcome.
Example: “We hope that you enjoy your stay at our hotel.” - Suggest that: To propose an idea or theory.
Example: “Studies suggest that early birds are more productive.”
Conditional and Logical Connectors
These phrases use “that” to establish relationships between different ideas or conditions.
- So that: Used to show purpose or intention.
Example: “I left work early so that I could catch the train.” - Now that: Used to explain a change based on a new situation.
Example: “Now that the rain has stopped, we can go for a walk.” - Provided that: Meaning “only if” (formal).
Example: “You can borrow the car provided that you fill it with gas.”
The Master Summary Table
| Collocation | Part of Speech | Quick Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| That way | Determiner / Adverbial | In that specific manner or direction. |
| Believe that | Verb + Conjunction | To have the opinion that something is true. |
| So that | Conjunction | In order to; for the purpose of. |
| Now that | Conjunction | Because a specific thing has finally happened. |
| The thing that | Noun Phrase + Relative Pronoun | Used to emphasize a specific subject. |
| That much | Adverb | To that degree or extent. |
Common Mistakes: Natural vs Unnatural
To reduce language anxiety, remember that even native speakers sometimes omit “that.” However, using it incorrectly can sound jarring. Avoid these common learner errors:
| Do Not Say | Say This |
|---|---|
| I think yes that he is coming. | I think that he is coming. |
| The car what I bought is blue. | The car that I bought is blue. |
| I am so tired that I cannot sleep. (Correct, but formal) | I’m so tired that I can’t sleep. |
| Provided which you are ready. | Provided that you are ready. |
Using “That” in Context
“I am writing to ensure that you received the updated contract. Now that the legal team has finished their review, we believe that the terms are fair for both parties. The thing that matters most to us is maintaining a good relationship. Please let us know if you want to move forward that way, so that we can schedule the signing ceremony.”
Frequently Asked Questions about That Collocations
Is it always necessary to include “that” after a verb like “think” or “say”?
In informal English, “that” is often omitted (e.g., “I think he’s right”). However, in formal writing or professional emails, it is better to include it to ensure the sentence is clear and grammatically complete.
What is the difference between “so that” and “in order to”?
“So that” is followed by a clause (subject + verb), such as “so that I could see.” “In order to” is followed by the base form of a verb, such as “in order to see.” Both express purpose.
Can I use “that” for people, or should I only use “who”?
In modern, everyday English, “that” is very commonly used for people (e.g., “The teacher that I liked”). In very formal or academic writing, “who” is often preferred for people, while “that” is used for things.
When should I use “that” as an adverb?
Is “provided that” the same as “if”?
Yes, “provided that” is a more formal version of “if.” It implies a strong condition that must be met for the result to happen.
I often find myself overusing 'which' because I'm scared of making a mistake with 'that'. This article has given me more confidence to use 'that' specifically for identifying things. I also need to practice skipping it when appropriate! Thank you!
That's fantastic, Li Wei! It's very common to default to 'which' when unsure. Building confidence with 'that' in its various roles, especially as a determiner for specificity, is a huge step. Don't be afraid to experiment with omitting 'that' in informal conversations after verbs like 'think' or 'say' – it will make your English sound much more natural. You're doing great!
This article really highlights why just memorizing grammar rules isn't enough. Learning the natural pairings and flow with words like 'that' is what makes sentences sound right. I found the 'that way' and 'that kind of' examples particularly useful. They just sound so much more natural than alternatives.
This is great! I'm constantly trying to improve my natural fluency, and collocations are definitely the way to go. Could you share some common verbs that often precede 'that' when it introduces a noun clause? Like 'I know that...' or 'She said that...'
Absolutely, Priya! You're on the right track. Many common verbs of thought, speech, and perception frequently take 'that' clauses. Some examples include: 'believe that', 'feel that', 'hope that', 'think that', 'know that', 'say that', 'tell [someone] that', 'understand that', 'see that', 'hear that', 'realize that', and 'agree that'. Keep an ear out for these in native speech!
I noticed the article mentions 'that' helps identify a specific person, thing, or idea. Is 'that' more common than 'which' when we are defining or specifying something for the first time in a conversation? Or is it more about the grammatical structure?
That's a very insightful observation, Giovanni! While both 'that' and 'which' can introduce defining clauses, 'that' is indeed often preferred (especially in American English) for clauses that are essential to identifying the noun they modify. 'Which' is more commonly used for non-essential (non-restrictive) information. So, yes, it's about both specificity in identification *and* grammatical structure. Your intuition is excellent!
What a great resource! The point about 'that' helping to move beyond basic translation resonates deeply with me. It's often the small, seemingly insignificant words that trip us up the most. I'm going to bookmark this page!
Thank you, Chieko! We're delighted to hear it resonated. You're absolutely right – fluency often lies in mastering the nuances of these seemingly small words. Happy learning, and feel free to revisit anytime!
This helps clarify the relative pronoun confusion I've always had. I heard somewhere that 'that' is usually restrictive and 'which' is non-restrictive, but then you see sentences where they seem interchangeable. Does this article's focus on collocations help with that specific problem too?
You're touching on a classic grammar point, Ben! While the article primarily focuses on 'that' as a determiner/pronoun and in common collocations like 'that way,' understanding its restrictive role is key when comparing it to 'which.' Generally, 'that' introduces essential information (restrictive clauses, no commas), while 'which' introduces non-essential, additional information (non-restrictive clauses, with commas). Mastering the collocations will certainly help you build a stronger intuitive sense of 'that's' natural usage, which underpins those grammatical rules!
I'm a beginner, and even though 'that' is a simple word, I always make mistakes. The 'that way' example is super clear. Can you explain if 'that' also works similar to 'so' in some cases, or is that a completely different usage?
Hi Sofia! It's perfectly normal to find 'that' tricky, even for advanced learners. You're observant for noticing a similarity with 'so'! When 'that' acts as an intensifier (as mentioned in the reply to Omar), it can indeed be similar to 'so' in meaning 'to such an extent', but 'so' is generally followed by an adjective/adverb and 'that' (the conjunction) introduces the result clause (e.g., 'It was *so* hot *that* we stayed inside'). The 'that' we're discussing here is more about referring to distance or specificity. Keep up the curiosity!
Could you provide more examples of 'that' used as an intensifier? The summary mentioned it, but the main article focused on determiner/pronoun. I'm always looking for ways to make my English more expressive!
Great question, Omar! You're right, the article focused on its determiner/pronoun role. As an intensifier, 'that' often comes before an adjective or adverb, meaning 'to such an extent' or 'so much'. For example: 'I wasn't *that* tired' (meaning not very tired) or 'It wasn't *that* good' (meaning not very good). It adds emphasis, often in negative contexts. We'll keep this in mind for a future article!
The tip about moving beyond basic translation and thinking like a native speaker is spot on. I often catch myself translating word-for-word, which sometimes leads to unnatural phrasing. This article encourages thinking about context and natural pairing, which is crucial.
Thanks for this! 'That' has always been a confusing word for me. The idea of thinking about it as 'pointing' to something distinct from the speaker makes so much sense. I'm going to try to apply this when I speak tomorrow.
That's the spirit, Kenji! Actively applying what you learn is the fastest way to solidify your understanding. Thinking of 'that' as a linguistic pointer can indeed simplify its usage in many contexts. Good luck with your practice!