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Re^5: Old sorting paper holds the key to unlocking the secrets of the Schwartzian Transform

by saskaqueer (Friar)
on Nov 07, 2005 at 20:41 UTC ( [id://506516]=note: print w/replies, xml ) Need Help??


in reply to Re^4: Old sorting paper holds the key to unlocking the secrets of the Schwartzian Transform
in thread Old sorting paper holds the key to unlocking the secrets of the Schwartzian Transform

He said the matter was closed, and that that should be an end to it.

The word 'that' is one of the only words I can think of that I dislike. There are so many instances where I'm not sure whether including the word is necessary or even gramatically correct. I tend to understand the concept behind doubling the word 'that', as in my quoted example. The second occurance of the word in this case is referring back to the previous sentence (or rather, the object or idea to which the speaker is referring to as being the last item being spoken about the matter).

I am trying to think up a simple sentence where the word 'that' can be used, but seems to make the exact same sense if you pull the word out. I come across these a lot when writing, but can't seem to invent one now. I bet this issue is dealt with in university English classes at some point :)

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Re^6: Old sorting paper holds the key to unlocking the secrets of the Schwartzian Transform
by BrowserUk (Patriarch) on Nov 07, 2005 at 21:33 UTC
    I am trying to think up a simple sentence where the word 'that' can be used, but seems to make the exact same sense if you pull the word out.

    One example comes to mind

  • He said that it made no difference.
  • He said it made no difference.

    Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error.
    Lingua non convalesco, consenesco et abolesco. -- Rule 1 has a caveat! -- Who broke the cabal?
    "Science is about questioning the status quo. Questioning authority".
    In the absence of evidence, opinion is indistinguishable from prejudice.
      $self->nod();

      I take it both are equally correct?

        Yes. Both are in common usage, at least in spoken English hereabouts, but the second form (I think) would be the preferred form as 'that' is redundant. It sounds better, to my ears at least.


        Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error.
        Lingua non convalesco, consenesco et abolesco. -- Rule 1 has a caveat! -- Who broke the cabal?
        "Science is about questioning the status quo. Questioning authority".
        In the absence of evidence, opinion is indistinguishable from prejudice.

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