A1determinerhigh_frequency_chunk

That

UK /["/ðæt/","/ðəʊz/"]/US /["/ðæt/","/ðəʊz/"]/

Definition

used for referring to a person or thing that is not near the speaker or as near to the speaker as another

In simple words: used to refer to a specific thing or person

Examples

  • Look at that man over there.
  • How much are those apples at the back?
  • I was living with my parents at that time.
  • That incident changed their lives.
  • Have you forgotten about that money I lent you last week?
  • That dress of hers is too short.

Usage notes

Used to refer to something already mentioned or known. In spoken English, it's often used informally. Be careful not to use it in overly formal writing where specificity is needed.

Grammar pattern

standalone pronoun

Memory hint

Think of 'that' as a pointing finger — it points out something specific.

Collocations

  • that is
  • that way
  • that means
  • not that
  • that much

Synonyms

  • this
  • it
  • those

Antonyms

  • this

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'that' with 'which' in restrictive vs non-restrictive clauses.
  • Using 'that' when the antecedent is a person (use 'who').
  • Overusing 'that' in sentences, which can make them awkward.