Ending a Sentence with 'That' in English: Rules and Usage

English language usage can sometimes be a complex subject, and the debate over whether or not to end a sentence with 'that' is a prime example of this intricacy. As a SEOer, it is important to understand the nuances of this topic and ensure that the content aligns with Google's standards and audience expectations.

Context Matters

In the English language, it is not only the usage of 'that' but also the overall context that plays a crucial role. The rules governing the ending of sentences with 'that' vary depending on whether the writing is formal or informal, and the intended audience.

Informal Writing or Conversation

In everyday speech and informal writing, it is quite common to see and hear sentences ending with 'that'. For instance, 'Why just look at that!' or 'You're going to purchase that'. These examples fall under the category of demonstrative pronouns. Let's break down some examples to better understand:

Why just look at that! You're going to purchase that How's that

Here, 'that' serves as a pronoun that stands in for a noun or noun phrase. The sentence ends with 'that', and the meaning is still effectively conveyed. Such usage is natural in casual settings and communication.

Formal Writing

When it comes to formal writing, a preference for not ending sentences with 'that' is often observed. Some writers and editors adhere to the rule that 'that' should not be the final word in a sentence. This is sometimes due to stylistic preferences or the desire to maintain a more traditional structure. For example:

In the past, the British Prime Minister would announce his or her decision with the famous phrase, "I can announce that…"

In this case, while 'that' could have been used, the sentence maintains a formal tone and clarity by using a more traditional structure.

Common Usage in Everyday Speech

What do you mean by that?

The phrase "What do you mean by that?" is a common conversational phrase used to seek clarification or to express doubt about what was said. Here, the use of 'that' is not merely a noun or pronoun but an indicator of a previous utterance or action that needs further explanation.

Why just look at that!

Another example is the exclamation "Why just look at that!" which is used to express surprise or admiration. In such a context, the exclamation points and the narrative of surprise add to the overall meaning and tone of the sentence, making 'that' the final word.

Only Demonstrative Pronouns Such as 'That', 'Those', 'This', and 'These' Can End a Sentence

A notable rule in English is that only demonstrative pronouns such as 'that', 'those', 'this', and 'these' can end a sentence. This is because these pronouns are stand-ins for nouns. For example:

Take that! Hold this! Select these items!

Ending a sentence with these pronouns is grammatically correct and fully clarifies the reference. These pronouns are typically followed by nouns or noun phrases, indicating that they are not meant to stand alone at the end of a sentence.

Conclusion

To summarize, the ending of a sentence with 'that' can vary depending on the context. In informal settings, such usage is common and often effective. However, in formal writing, writers may prefer to avoid it to maintain a more traditional structure. Additionally, the rule that only certain demonstrative pronouns can end a sentence is a specific grammatical guideline that is essential to understand.

When crafting content and tailoring it for Google and your specific audience, always consider the context and the intended tone. Whether using 'that' or avoiding it, make sure your writing is clear, concise, and engaging.