Book of D: Who Needs "That"

Several years ago, my English 1302 professor (Mr. E.) and I were working late at the MC English Language Hub; we were helping students with basic grammar skills. Some students were having issues with formatting essays (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.), writing styles (persuasive, narrative, expository, and descriptive), creating a thesis . . . yada, yada, yada. As the night progressed, my professor and I grew tired and weary from the many students in queue for help. We took a break to munch on the different types of pizza his wife, also an English professor, had ordered for the staff and faculty. Mr. E and I laughed at something someone else said, and we started talking about how people use certains words way too much and incorrectly. One of those being the word that.

If I remember correctly, the topic stemmed from something written by the one and only Purdue Owl. First, it’s important to know when that is really needed in a sentence. This word frequently attaches dependent clauses to independent clauses, and it is strictly necessary if a clause begins with certain subordinating conjunctions, such as before, while and in addition to. That also should be used before clauses that clarify a noun. I know, it sounds dull, monotonous, and perhaps even elitist, but bear with me as I explain in layman's terms. The word that is kind of disruptive if not used properly. It is a chalkboard scrtach to several of us - kind of like those of us who love the use of the Oxford comma. Using that incorrectly is not a violation of the many grammatical rules, but it really does make for a well-written essay and such if used properly (sparingly and lovingly, too😉). For instance, if you say, "John was talking about the truck that he had just bought,' then you are using the word that where it is not needed. Reread the sentence without that, "John was talking about the truck he had just bought." If the word that does have to be used, it would be because of a sentence like this one, "The idea that John would be talking about his truck was funny." If you omit the word that in the same sentence, the syntax and meaning are disrupted, "The idea John would be talking about his truck was funny." See how awkward the latter sentence sounded without the word that. Whew, I am tired again like I was that night Mr. E. and I ate pizza like weary little workers while nerdishly talking about one simple, little word. Lol. Words are beautiful, and they really do matter. WORD!!!