Taken from Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the definition of "that" is "the person, thing or idea indicated, mentioned or understood from the situation" I have read many books, articles, and blogs of which all repeatedly misuse the word "that." Most books and articles are written and then edited by "professional editors," yet they themselves are not aware of the improper use of the word and therefore fail to remove it from documents.
Incorrect: This is the article that I'm writing for Suite101.
Correct: This is the article I'm writing for Suite101.
Incorrect: Most editors think that they are doing well in editing materials.
Correct: Most editors think they are doing well in editing materials.
More often than not, "that" can be and should be eliminated from sentences. The majority of people use this word unnecessarily. I challenge all readers to choose an article or book, scan it for the word "that" and then re-read it while taking the word out; you will find it reads and flows much easier. Of course, "that" has its proper place in our English language -- to point out a specific person, thing or idea as in:
"Many chefs cook chicken and vegetables by roasting them in the oven; that method is one of the healthiest ways to prepare food."
In this example, if "that" was removed from the sentence, the phrase would not make sense. "That" clearly serves a purpose when it is placed properly in our language.
Along with writing, in every day conversations, there is a tendency to say "that" even though it isn't necessary. I have experimented and tested myself in trying to speak without using the word and have discovered it is much easier to remove the word from writing than it is verbally.
Be a Better Writer
I encourage every writer and editor from this point on to examine and be more mindful before writing that overused word. Once you have adapted to writing correctly without the word and you read other material which contains "that" erroneously, you will mostly likely be bothered by it.
Spread the wealth -- share with other fellow writers this article so they too can improve upon their writing skills. I am confident your readers will notice a difference and may even drop you a line stating how much they enjoy your new style of writing.
Angela Lemaster - Angela has been 'casually' writing since she was a youth and didn't discover she had above average writing skills until high school and ...
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