Leaving That Behind: Speaking Naturally Without "That"

Exercise 1 – Sentence Practice

Rewrite these sentences by omitting that where possible.

1. He said (that) he couldn’t come today.

2. I am happy (that) you decided to join our seminar.

3. Please stay close so (that) I don’t lose sight of you.

4. This is the article (that) I mentioned in class yesterday.

5. She knows (that) this negotiation will be difficult.

6. I’m relieved (that) you managed to finish on time.

7. It was obvious (that) the speaker had prepared well.

8. We realized (that) something unusual was happening.

Grammar Focus

Native speakers of English frequently omit “that” in casual or even semi-formal contexts when clarity is not lost.

Here are the most common cases:

1. Indirect speech

• He told me (that) he would call.

• They admitted (that) they’d made a mistake.

2. After adjectives

• I’m delighted (that) you passed all your exams.

• She’s aware (that) she needs more training.

3. Conjunctions with two or more words (so that, now that, provided that, in order that)

• We left early so (that) we could catch the train.

• The project was possible only because, now (that) we had the funds, we could hire staff.

4. Relative clauses as objects

• This is the book (that) I was telling you about.

• He’s the person (that) everyone respects.

⚠️ Important restriction: That cannot be dropped when it functions as the subject of a relative clause:

• Sneakers are shoes that are used for exercise. ✅

• Sneakers are shoes are used for exercise. ❌

Exercise 2 – Dialogue Practice

Insert or remove that as appropriate.

At the Office

• Sam: Did you hear? They announced (that) the new manager is starting next week.

• Maria: Yes, and I’m glad (that) she has so much international experience.

At the Theater

• Josh: I didn’t know this was the play (that) won so many awards last year.

• Emma: Yeah, critics agreed (that) the acting was exceptional.

At Home

• Mother: Be quiet, so (that) your brother can finish his exam online.

• Son: But you promised (that) we’d go for ice cream afterwards!

Exercise 3 – Fill in the Blanks

Decide whether “that” can be omitted in each sentence. Write yes (omit) or no (must keep).

1. I’m sad ___ you had to leave early.

2. This is a film ___ was directed by Nolan.

3. We assumed ___ she would accept the offer.

4. His belief ___ honesty always pays off impressed me.

5. They claimed ___ they had never met the person.

6. They enjoyed the concert ___ we recommended.

7. This is the book ___ explains the whole theory.

8. It became clear ___ he had been planning this for months.

Exercise 4 – Sentence Building

Imagine you’ve just started working abroad. Make natural sentences with or without “that.”

1. relieved, colleagues are helpful

2. surprised, office is so modern

3. know, this city has great restaurants

4. grateful, my boss supports me

5. aware, the culture is different here

6. suggest, we organize a team dinner

7. hope, my family can visit soon

Exercise 5 – Error Correction

Each sentence below contains a mistake with the use (or omission) of that. Correct the sentences.

1. This is the novel explains why humans dream.

2. I suggested we should left earlier.

3. He said him will call you tomorrow.

4. This is the painting everyone was talking.

5. They realized had made a serious error.

6. The rule honesty is always best guides her decisions.

7. He promised would help us finish the project.

8. Sneakers are shoes are worn in sports.

Answer Key

Exercise 1 – Sentence Practice

1. He said he couldn’t come today.

2. I’m happy you decided to join our seminar.

3. Please stay close so I don’t lose sight of you.

4. This is the article I mentioned in class yesterday.

5. She knows this negotiation will be difficult.

6. I’m relieved you managed to finish on time.

7. It was obvious the speaker had prepared well.

8. We realized something unusual was happening.

Exercise 2 – Dialogue Practice

• “that” optional after announced, glad, agreed, promised.

• “that” optional in the play (that) won so many awards.

• “that” required in so that your brother can finish his exam.

Exercise 3 – Fill in the Blanks

1. yes (I’m sad you had to leave early.)

2. no (film that was directed → “that” is subject of the clause)

3. yes (We assumed she would accept the offer.)

4. no (His belief that honesty always pays off impressed me.)

5. yes (They claimed they had never met the person.)

6. yes (They enjoyed the concert we recommended.)

7. no (This is the book that explains the whole theory.)

8. yes (It became clear he had been planning this for months.)

Exercise 4 – Sentence Building (sample answers)

1. I’m relieved my colleagues are helpful.

2. I’m surprised the office is so modern.

3. I know this city has great restaurants.

4. I’m grateful my boss supports me.

5. I’m aware the culture is different here.

6. I suggest we organize a team dinner.

7. I hope my family can visit soon.

Exercise 5

1. This is the novel that explains why humans dream.

2. I suggested (that) we should leave earlier.

3. He said (that) he would call you tomorrow.

4. This is the painting (that) everyone was talking about.

5. They realized (that) they had made a serious error.

6. The rule that honesty is always best guides her decisions.

7. He promised (that) he would help us finish the project.

8. Sneakers are shoes that are worn in sports.