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A2 determiner #25 most common 9 min read

that

Top 25

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips that in 30 Seconds

Explanation that in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'that' is one of the first words you learn to help you point at things. It is used for singular objects that are not close to you. For example, if you see a cat across the street, you say 'that cat.' It is the opposite of 'this.' You use it to talk about people, animals, and things. It is very important for basic communication because it helps you show people what you are talking about without knowing the exact name of everything. You might say 'that thing' if you don't know the word for a tool or a fruit. At this stage, focus on the physical distance: 'this' is here, 'that' is there. Practice by pointing at things in your room and saying 'that chair' or 'that window.' This builds your confidence in using basic English grammar rules correctly from the start.

At the A2 level, you start using 'that' for more than just physical objects. You use it to refer to things people have said. If your friend says, 'I am tired,' you can say, 'I understand that feeling.' Here, 'that' points to the idea of being tired. You also learn to use 'that' in simple stories to talk about the past. For example, 'That day was very fun.' You are also learning to distinguish between 'that' (singular) and 'those' (plural). This is a key step in mastering English determiners. You will hear 'that' in many common phrases like 'That's right' or 'That's okay.' Understanding these uses helps you participate in more natural conversations and follow simple stories more easily. It's about moving from just pointing at objects to pointing at ideas and moments in time.

At the B1 level, you use 'that' to create more complex and cohesive sentences. You understand how 'that' functions as a determiner to specify exactly which noun you are discussing in a more detailed context. You might use it to compare two different things: 'That solution is better than this one.' You also begin to see 'that' used in more formal contexts, such as 'that particular instance' or 'that specific reason.' At this level, you are expected to use 'that' correctly with uncountable nouns like 'that information' or 'that advice.' You also start to recognize 'that' in its role as a relative pronoun, though you should still focus on its determiner use to provide clarity in your descriptions. It becomes a tool for precision in your writing and speaking, helping you avoid repeating the same nouns over and over again.

At the B2 level, you use 'that' with nuance and for emphasis. You might use it to express a certain attitude or emotion. For example, 'I can't stand that noise!' uses 'that' to show a negative feeling toward the noise. You also use 'that' to refer back to complex ideas or entire arguments made previously in a discussion. In academic or professional writing, you use 'that' to identify specific data or theories with high precision. You are also aware of how 'that' can be used as an adverb of degree in informal speech, such as 'It wasn't that difficult,' and you know when it is appropriate to use this register. Your use of 'that' helps your speech and writing flow logically, connecting different parts of your discourse seamlessly. You are now a confident user of demonstratives in various social and professional settings.

At the C1 level, your use of 'that' is sophisticated and stylistically varied. You understand how to use 'that' to create rhetorical effects, such as using it to create distance or to focus the reader's attention on a specific, perhaps symbolic, object. You are comfortable using 'that' in complex grammatical structures, including those where the noun it modifies is abstract or highly technical. You also recognize the subtle differences between 'that' and other determiners like 'the' or 'such,' and you choose the one that best fits the tone and purpose of your communication. In high-level academic discourse, you use 'that' to refer to specific evidence or previous research findings with absolute clarity. Your mastery of 'that' allows you to navigate the most subtle nuances of English reference and cohesion, making your communication both precise and elegant.

At the C2 level, you have a complete, intuitive grasp of 'that' in all its functions. You use it effortlessly to manage complex narratives, academic arguments, and professional negotiations. You understand the historical and etymological roots of the word, which informs your appreciation of its versatility. You can use 'that' to achieve specific literary effects, such as creating a sense of irony or detachment. You are also aware of the most obscure idiomatic uses and regional variations of 'that.' Your ability to use 'that' to maintain perfect cohesion in long, intricate texts is a hallmark of your near-native or native-level proficiency. You can manipulate the demonstrative system of English to guide your audience through the most complex ideas with ease, using 'that' as a precise surgical tool in your linguistic repertoire.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

that in 30 Seconds

Used to point at a single person or thing that is not near the speaker in physical space.
Refers to a specific idea, event, or statement that was mentioned earlier in a conversation or text.
Functions as a singular determiner, meaning it must always be followed by a singular or uncountable noun.
Creates a contrast with 'this,' which is used for things that are close to the speaker or current.

The word that is one of the most fundamental building blocks of the English language. As a determiner, its primary job is to point toward a specific person, object, or idea that is physically or metaphorically removed from the speaker. Unlike 'this,' which suggests proximity and immediate presence, 'that' creates a sense of distance. Imagine you are standing in a room; the book in your hand is 'this book,' but the book across the room on the shelf is 'that book.' This spatial distinction is the cornerstone of English demonstratives. Beyond physical distance, 'that' is used to refer to things already mentioned in a conversation, acting as a mental pointer to a previous topic. It allows speakers to maintain clarity without repeating complex nouns. For example, if someone describes a difficult situation, you might respond with, 'That situation sounds tough,' where 'that' points back to the specific circumstances just described. This function is essential for cohesive discourse, helping listeners track which specific entity is being discussed among many possibilities.

Spatial Reference: Used to identify a singular noun that is not near the speaker. It distinguishes an object from others that might be closer.
Discourse Pointer: Refers to a specific idea or statement previously mentioned by another person or the speaker themselves.
Emotional Distance: Sometimes used to create a psychological gap between the speaker and the subject, often implying dislike or detachment.

Look at that mountain in the distance; it is covered in snow.

I remember that day we spent at the beach three years ago.

Who is that person standing by the entrance?

Do you see that red car parked across the street?

I cannot believe that noise is still going on outside.

In more complex usage, 'that' serves to emphasize a specific instance. When you say 'I want that specific one,' you are narrowing the field of choice significantly. It is also used to express degree or extent in informal contexts, such as 'It wasn't that expensive,' where it functions almost like an adverb, though its determiner roots remain visible in how it modifies the scope of the adjective. Understanding 'that' is crucial for mastering English spatial and temporal logic, as it provides the necessary contrast to 'this' and 'these,' forming the basis of how English speakers navigate their environment and their narratives. Without 'that,' our ability to reference the world beyond our immediate reach would be severely limited, forcing us to use much longer, more cumbersome descriptions for every distant object.

Using that correctly requires an understanding of noun agreement and spatial orientation. As a determiner, 'that' must always precede a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun. It cannot be used with plural nouns; for those, we switch to 'those.' The structure is typically [that + noun]. For example, 'that house,' 'that water,' or 'that idea.' When using 'that,' the speaker is often making a choice between several options, pointing out the one that is further away or less immediate. In a sentence like 'I prefer that painting over this one,' the speaker uses 'that' to create a clear visual and preference-based hierarchy. This helps the listener follow the speaker's focus accurately.

Singular Countable Nouns: Always use 'that' with singular items like 'that chair,' 'that dog,' or 'that person.' Never say 'that chairs.'
Uncountable Nouns: 'That' works perfectly with things you cannot count, such as 'that information,' 'that advice,' or 'that music.'
Contrastive Use: Often paired with 'this' to show a difference between two items based on their location or time.

Could you pass me that wrench sitting on the workbench?

I don't think that color suits the living room walls.

Is that your brother standing near the fountain?

Furthermore, 'that' can be used to refer to a whole clause or situation, acting as a determiner for an implied noun like 'fact' or 'event.' For instance, in the sentence 'That he failed was a surprise,' 'that' introduces a specific circumstance. In everyday conversation, we often drop the noun and use 'that' as a pronoun, but its determiner function remains the most common way to specify which object we are talking about in a physical space. When writing, using 'that' effectively helps avoid ambiguity. If you are discussing two different theories, referring to 'that theory' clearly points to the one previously discussed or the one further from the current point of focus. It is a tool for precision, allowing the writer to guide the reader's eye and mind to the exact subject intended.

In daily life, that is omnipresent. You will hear it in coffee shops ('I'll have that muffin, please'), in classrooms ('Look at that diagram on page fifty'), and in casual conversations among friends ('Remember that time we got lost?'). It is a word of direction and shared attention. When someone uses 'that,' they are usually inviting you to look at what they are looking at or to think about what they are thinking about. It serves as a linguistic bridge between two people's perspectives. In professional settings, 'that' is used to refer to specific data points or documents: 'Could you pull up that spreadsheet from last Tuesday?' Here, it acts as a precise identifier, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Retail and Service: Used constantly to point out items for purchase or selection. 'I want that blue shirt in the window.'
Storytelling: Used to refer to past events or characters. 'That old man used to live in the house on the hill.'
Giving Directions: Essential for pointing out landmarks. 'Turn left at that big oak tree.'

Did you hear that strange sound coming from the attic?

I can't believe that movie won so many awards.

In media, 'that' is used for dramatic effect or to establish setting. News anchors might say, 'That developing story is coming to us now from London,' using 'that' to signal a shift in focus to a distant location. In movies, a character might point and whisper, 'Look at that!' to build suspense. The word is so common that we often don't notice it, yet it performs the heavy lifting of spatial navigation in every conversation. It is also a key component of many idiomatic expressions and phrasal structures, making it one of the most versatile words in a speaker's arsenal. Whether you are pointing out a star in the sky or a mistake in a report, 'that' is the tool you use to focus the listener's attention exactly where it needs to be.

Despite its simplicity, that is frequently misused by learners, primarily due to confusion with its counterparts 'this,' 'these,' and 'those.' The most common error is using 'that' with plural nouns. Because 'that' is singular, it must always match a singular noun. Saying 'that books' is a grammatical mismatch that can confuse native speakers. Another common mistake is using 'that' when 'this' would be more appropriate. If you are holding an object, you should use 'this'; using 'that' while holding something feels unnatural and creates a strange sense of distance as if you are trying to disown the object.

Number Disagreement: Using 'that' with plural nouns. Correct: 'that apple.' Incorrect: 'that apples.'
Proximity Confusion: Using 'that' for things you are currently touching or holding. This sounds distant and cold.
Overuse in Writing: Using 'that' too many times in a single paragraph, which can make the prose feel repetitive and clunky.

Incorrect: I want that shoes. Correct: I want those shoes.

Learners also struggle with the difference between 'that' as a determiner and 'that' as a relative pronoun. While 'that book' (determiner) points to a book, 'the book that I read' (relative pronoun) connects a noun to a description. Confusing these roles can lead to structural errors in complex sentences. Additionally, in some languages, a single word covers both 'this' and 'that,' making the English distinction feel arbitrary. However, mastering this distinction is vital for sounding natural. Another subtle mistake is using 'that' to refer to a person in a way that feels dehumanizing; while 'that person' is fine, referring to someone as just 'that' (as a pronoun) can be rude. Always ensure 'that' is followed by a noun when referring to people to maintain a polite tone.

While that is a unique demonstrative, there are several words that can serve similar functions depending on the context. The most obvious alternative is 'the,' which is the definite article. While 'that' is more specific and emphatic about distance, 'the' simply identifies a known noun. For example, 'the car' is any specific car we know about, but 'that car' is the one over there, specifically. In more formal or archaic English, you might encounter 'yonder,' which specifically means 'over there' and is even further away than 'that.' Understanding these nuances allows for more expressive and varied speech.

The vs. That: 'The' is neutral; 'That' is demonstrative and pointing. Use 'that' when you want to emphasize location.
Those: The plural version of 'that.' Use this for multiple items far away.
Such: Used to refer to a type or quality. 'Such a person' refers to someone of a certain kind, similar to 'that kind of person.'

Comparison: Pass me the pen (neutral) vs. Pass me that pen (pointing).

In some cases, 'that' can be replaced by a possessive adjective like 'his' or 'her' if the ownership is the primary point of identification. Instead of 'that coat,' you might say 'his coat' if it's clearer. However, 'that' remains the most effective word for pointing out something based on its physical location. In literature, authors often use 'that' to create a sense of atmosphere or to isolate a single detail in a large scene. By choosing 'that' over 'the,' they force the reader to visualize the distance and the specific focus of the character. Mastering these alternatives ensures that your English is not only correct but also nuanced and contextually appropriate, allowing you to choose the exact level of specificity required for any given situation.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In Old English, 'that' was specifically the neuter form, while other words were used for masculine and feminine nouns.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ðæt/

US /ðæt/

Usually unstressed unless it is being used for specific emphasis.

Rhymes With

cat hat mat sat bat flat rat vat

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'th' as 'd' (dat).
Pronouncing 'th' as 'z' (zat).
Making the 'a' sound too long.
Dropping the final 't' completely.
Using a voiceless 'th' like in 'think'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize as it appears in almost every text.

Writing 2/5

Requires care to ensure singular noun agreement.

Speaking 2/5

Requires choosing between 'this' and 'that' quickly.

Listening 1/5

Easy to hear, though often unstressed.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

this a the is it

Learn Next

those these which who where

Advanced

demonstrative relative pronoun conjunction determiner distal

Grammar to Know

Demonstrative Agreement

Use 'that' for singular and 'those' for plural.

Distal vs Proximal

'This' is for near, 'that' is for far.

Determiner vs Pronoun

Determiner: 'That car is red.' Pronoun: 'That is red.'

Relative Clause Introduction

The book that I bought (Note: this is a different function).

Adverbial 'That'

It's not that cold (used to mean 'so').

Examples by Level

Look at that bird.

Regarde cet oiseau.

'That' points to one bird far away.

I like that hat.

J'aime ce chapeau.

'That' is used for a singular object.

Who is that man?

Qui est cet homme ?

'That' refers to a person at a distance.

Is that your car?

Est-ce ta voiture ?

Question form with 'that'.

Give me that book.

Donne-moi ce livre.

Imperative sentence using 'that'.

That house is big.

Cette maison est grande.

'That' modifies the noun 'house'.

I want that apple.

Je veux cette pomme.

'That' specifies which apple.

That is a dog.

C'est un chien.

Using 'that' to identify an animal.

I remember that day.

Je me souviens de ce jour-là.

'That' refers to a time in the past.

That story was very sad.

Cette histoire était très triste.

'That' refers to a story just finished.

Do you know that girl?

Connais-tu cette fille ?

Using 'that' for a person not in the group.

That cake looks delicious.

Ce gâteau a l'air délicieux.

'That' used for something seen but not yet touched.

I don't like that color.

Je n'aime pas cette couleur.

'That' specifies a particular quality.

That was a great movie.

C'était un super film.

'That' refers to a recent experience.

Can you see that sign?

Peux-tu voir ce panneau ?

'That' used for visual identification at a distance.

That person is my teacher.

Cette personne est mon professeur.

'That person' is a common way to identify someone.

That information is very useful.

Cette information est très utile.

'That' used with an uncountable noun.

I can't believe that price.

Je ne peux pas croire ce prix.

'That' expresses surprise at a specific detail.

That specific model is sold out.

Ce modèle spécifique est épuisé.

'That' combined with 'specific' for emphasis.

We need to discuss that issue.

Nous devons discuter de ce problème.

'That' refers to a previously mentioned problem.

That noise is driving me crazy.

Ce bruit me rend fou.

'That' used for an annoying stimulus.

I prefer that style of music.

Je préfère ce style de musique.

'That' identifies a category.

That decision changed everything.

Cette décision a tout changé.

'That' refers to a significant past event.

Did you see that flash of light?

As-tu vu cet éclair de lumière ?

'That' used for a sudden, distant event.

That particular argument is flawed.

Cet argument particulier est erroné.

'That particular' is a common B2-level phrase.

I wasn't that impressed by the show.

Je n'ai pas été si impressionné par le spectacle.

'That' used as an adverb of degree (informal).

That theory has been proven wrong.

Cette théorie a été démentie.

'That' refers to a specific scientific concept.

He always makes that same mistake.

Il fait toujours cette même erreur.

'That same' emphasizes repetition.

That kind of behavior is unacceptable.

Ce genre de comportement est inacceptable.

'That kind of' categorizes a behavior.

I remember that feeling of relief.

Je me souviens de ce sentiment de soulagement.

'That' modifies an abstract noun.

That project requires more funding.

Ce projet nécessite plus de financement.

'That' refers to a professional undertaking.

Is that the best you can do?

Est-ce le mieux que tu puisses faire ?

'That' refers to the quality of an action.

That very notion is what we must challenge.

Cette notion même est ce que nous devons remettre en question.

'That very' is used for extreme emphasis.

The implications of that study are vast.

Les implications de cette étude sont vastes.

'That' identifies a specific academic work.

That subtle shift in tone changed the meaning.

Ce subtil changement de ton a changé le sens.

'That' modifies a nuanced abstract noun.

I cannot support that line of reasoning.

Je ne peux pas soutenir ce raisonnement.

'That line of' is a formal way to describe logic.

That era was marked by great social change.

Cette époque a été marquée par de grands changements sociaux.

'That' refers to a specific historical period.

That specific gene is responsible for the trait.

Ce gène spécifique est responsable du trait.

Technical use of 'that' for identification.

We must move beyond that simplistic view.

Nous devons aller au-delà de cette vision simpliste.

'That' used to criticize a previous idea.

That was the catalyst for the revolution.

Ce fut le catalyseur de la révolution.

'That' refers to a pivotal event.

That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.

Ce que nous appelons une rose, sous n'importe quel autre nom, sentirait aussi bon.

Archaic/Literary use of 'that' as a demonstrative pronoun/determiner.

The sheer audacity of that claim left us speechless.

L'audace pure de cette affirmation nous a laissés sans voix.

'That' emphasizes the nature of the claim.

That bygone age still haunts our modern psyche.

Cette époque révolue hante encore notre psyché moderne.

'That' used with a sophisticated adjective for a historical period.

One must consider that fundamental truth.

Il faut considérer cette vérité fondamentale.

'That' identifies a core philosophical principle.

That pervasive sense of unease was palpable.

Ce sentiment d'inquiétude omniprésent était palpable.

'That' modifies a complex emotional state.

That is the crux of the entire philosophical debate.

C'est là le nœud de tout le débat philosophique.

'That' refers to the most important point.

The beauty of that symphony lies in its complexity.

La beauté de cette symphonie réside dans sa complexité.

'That' specifies a particular work of art.

That is the legacy he left behind.

C'est l'héritage qu'il a laissé derrière lui.

'That' summarizes a person's life work.

Common Collocations

that way

that time

that person

that thing

that kind of

that sort of

that much

that many

that day

that idea

Common Phrases

That's it

— Used to say something is finished or correct.

You've finished the puzzle? That's it!

That's that

— Used to say a decision is final and cannot be changed.

I'm not going, and that's that.

That's right

— Used to confirm that something is correct.

Is the meeting at 5? Yes, that's right.

That's fine

— Used to show agreement or that something is acceptable.

Can we meet tomorrow? Yes, that's fine.

That's enough

— Used to tell someone to stop doing something.

Stop shouting! That's enough!

That's all

— Used to say that there is nothing more to add.

I just need a glass of water, that's all.

That's why

— Used to give a reason for something.

It rained, and that's why I'm late.

That's how

— Used to explain the way something is done.

That's how you bake a cake.

That's great

— Used to express happiness or approval.

You passed the test? That's great!

That's too bad

— Used to express sympathy for a small problem.

You lost your keys? That's too bad.

Often Confused With

that vs this

Used for things that are close, while 'that' is for things far away.

that vs those

The plural form of 'that'. Use 'those' for more than one thing.

that vs it

'It' is a neutral pronoun, while 'that' is more specific and pointing.

Idioms & Expressions

"That's the way the cookie crumbles"

— That is how things happen, and you must accept it.

We lost the game, but that's the way the cookie crumbles.

informal

"That's a wrap"

— Used to say that filming or a task is finished.

We've finished the project. That's a wrap!

informal

"That's more like it"

— Used when something has improved or is finally correct.

You cleaned your room? That's more like it!

informal

"That's a tall order"

— Used to say that a task is very difficult to achieve.

Finishing this by tonight is a tall order.

neutral

"That's the spirit"

— Used to approve of someone's positive attitude.

You're going to try again? That's the spirit!

informal

"That's neither here nor there"

— Used to say that something is not relevant to the current topic.

His age is neither here nor there; he's the best for the job.

neutral

"That's the last straw"

— The final problem in a series that makes someone lose their patience.

He's late again? That's the last straw!

informal

"That's a given"

— Something that is certain or assumed to be true.

That we need more time is a given.

neutral

"That's a bit much"

— Used to say that something is excessive or unreasonable.

Charging $50 for a burger? That's a bit much.

informal

"That's for sure"

— Used to emphasize that something is definitely true.

It's going to be a long day, that's for sure.

informal

Easily Confused

that vs which

Both can introduce relative clauses.

In many contexts, 'that' is used for restrictive clauses and 'which' for non-restrictive.

The car that I drive is blue.

that vs the

Both identify specific nouns.

'The' is just a marker; 'that' is a pointer showing distance.

Pass me the pen vs Pass me that pen.

that vs what

Learners sometimes use 'what' where 'that' is needed.

'What' is for unknown things/questions; 'that' is for known/pointed things.

I know that you are right.

that vs who

Both refer to people.

'Who' is only for people; 'that' can be for people or things.

The man who/that lives there.

that vs so

In informal speech, both can mean 'to a certain degree'.

'So' is an adverb; 'that' is a determiner used adverbially.

It's not so/that bad.

Sentence Patterns

That is a [noun].

That is a bird.

I like that [noun].

I like that car.

Do you see that [noun]?

Do you see that sign?

That [noun] was [adjective].

That movie was great.

That [noun] is [comparative] than this one.

That phone is better than this one.

I don't think that [noun] is right.

I don't think that answer is right.

It's not that [adjective].

It's not that difficult.

That [noun] of [noun] is [adjective].

That line of reasoning is flawed.

Word Family

this

those

these

then

there

How to Use It

frequency

One of the top 10 most common words in English.

Common Mistakes

I like that shoes. → I like those shoes.
'Shoes' is plural, so you must use 'those' instead of 'that'.
Look at this mountain over there. → Look at that mountain over there.
Since the mountain is 'over there' (far away), 'that' is the correct word.
That is my friends. → Those are my friends.
'Friends' is plural, and 'that' can only be used for one person.
I don't like that informations. → I don't like that information.
'Information' is uncountable and does not take an 's'. 'That' is correct, but the noun was wrong.
It's not so big as that. → It's not that big.
While 'so' is okay, using 'that' as an adverb of degree is more common in casual English.

Tips

Check Your Nouns

Always ensure the noun after 'that' is singular. If you see an 's' at the end of the noun, you probably need 'those' instead.

Use Your Hands

When learning, physically point at distant objects while saying 'that.' This physical action helps your brain lock in the meaning of the word.

Avoid Repetition

If you have used 'that' three times in two sentences, try replacing one with 'the' or the specific name of the object to make your writing more professional.

Focus on Stress

Speakers usually stress 'that' only when they are making a specific choice between two things. Otherwise, it is a quick, soft sound.

Learn Phrases

Instead of just learning 'that,' learn common chunks like 'that's right' or 'that's fine.' These are used constantly in English.

Time Travel

Remember that 'that' is the word for the past. 'That summer' or 'that year' always points away from the present moment.

Emphasis

Use 'that very' to be extremely specific. 'That very second' means exactly that second and no other. It's a great way to add drama.

The Arm Test

If you can reach it without moving your feet, use 'this.' If you have to walk or reach far, use 'that.' It's a simple rule that works 90% of the time.

Not 'That People'

While 'that person' is correct, we usually say 'those people' because people is plural. This is a very common mistake for beginners.

Formal References

In essays, use 'that' to refer to a specific study or author mentioned earlier. It keeps your argument connected and easy to follow.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

T-H-A-T: There, High, And Tough to reach. Use 'that' for things you can't touch easily.

Visual Association

Imagine a long finger pointing at a distant star. The finger represents the word 'that' reaching out.

Word Web

Distance Singular Pointer Past Specific Contrast Determiner Reference

Challenge

Go through your day and every time you see something more than 5 meters away, name it using 'that' (e.g., 'that tree', 'that car').

Word Origin

Derived from Old English 'þæt', which was the neuter singular of the demonstrative pronoun and adjective.

Original meaning: The, that, so that.

Germanic

Cultural Context

Avoid using 'that' to refer to people in a dismissive way (e.g., 'I don't like that one' when referring to a person).

Pointing while saying 'that' is common but should be done carefully with people.

'That's one small step for man...' - Neil Armstrong 'That's all, folks!' - Looney Tunes 'That which does not kill us makes us stronger.' - Friedrich Nietzsche

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Shopping

How much is that?
I like that one.
Can I see that shirt?
That's too expensive.

Directions

Go past that building.
It's near that park.
Do you see that sign?
Turn at that corner.

Storytelling

That day was crazy.
I remember that man.
That was a long time ago.
That changed my life.

Classroom

Look at that page.
What does that word mean?
That answer is correct.
Open that book.

Home

Who left that mess?
Pass me that remote.
That smells good.
Is that your coat?

Conversation Starters

"What do you think about that new restaurant that opened downtown?"

"Do you remember that time we all went to the beach together?"

"Can you believe that price they are charging for coffee these days?"

"Who is that actor in the movie we watched last night?"

"How did you feel about that decision the manager made yesterday?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a specific object in your room that you haven't touched in a long time. Why is that object there?

Think about a day from your childhood. What happened on that day that you still remember clearly?

Write about a goal you have. What is that goal, and why is it important to you right now?

Reflect on a piece of advice someone gave you. How has that advice helped you in your life?

Describe a place you want to visit. What is it about that place that attracts you so much?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, you can say 'that man' or 'that person.' It is very common for identifying someone at a distance. However, avoid calling someone just 'that' as it can be rude.

The plural of 'that' is 'those.' For example, 'that book' becomes 'those books.' Always match the number of the noun.

Use 'this' for things you are holding, things near you, or things happening right now. Use 'that' for things further away or in the past.

It is neutral and used in all levels of English, from very informal slang to highly formal academic writing.

Yes, 'that' works perfectly with uncountable nouns like 'that water,' 'that information,' or 'that music.'

'That's' is a contraction of 'that is.' It is used in speaking and informal writing to save time and sound more natural.

In informal speech, yes. 'It's not that cold' means 'It's not very cold.' This is common in daily conversation.

No, 'that' can also be a pronoun ('That is mine') or a conjunction ('I know that he is here'). This entry focuses on its use as a determiner.

It is a voiced 'th.' Place your tongue between your teeth and vibrate your vocal cords while pushing air out.

Yes, as a pronoun, 'that' can refer to a previous statement. As a determiner, it usually modifies a specific noun like 'that fact' or 'that idea.'