that - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
that Word Meanings
- referring to a specific thing or person
- used to identify a particular instance
- indicating a member of a group
that Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
that Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ðæt/
US
/ðæt/
that Word Etymology
from Old English 'þæt', related to the Proto-Germanic '*þat', signifying 'the' or 'that'. Visualize a finger pointing at a specific item, such as a dessert you want at a café.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
First you reach out, grip the idea between your fingers and pull your attention toward that. Your eyes settle on it, the scene changes, and you feel a tiny push to lock your choice to that one. The shift inside your mind slows, a quick turn of preference, and you decide to hold that moment as the one you mean. From there, your voice or your pointing returns to that object with ease, and the thread of focus stays linked to that thing in real use.
Real Context
That is a versatile word in English. As a pronoun, that refers to a specific thing or person you have in mind or have just mentioned, and it can replace a noun to avoid repetition. As a determiner or demonstrative adjective, that signals a particular item or member of a group rather than a general class, as in that dessert or that team member. It often contrasts with this, which points to something closer in space or in discourse. In informal speech, that can introduce a clause (that I was telling you about). Its sense traces back to Old English þæt and related Proto-Germanic forms, reinforcing the idea of specificity. Visualize pointing at a dessert you want at a cafe.
Usage Reminders
- - Use that before a noun to point to a specific thing already known.
- - Distinguish that from this to show distance in space or in discourse.
- - As a pronoun, that can stand for a noun to avoid repetition.
- - In informal speech, that can introduce a clause (that I was telling you about).
- - Remember that that traces back to Old English þæt; visualize pointing to what you want.
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking that = the; they are not interchangeable.
- Using that with plural nouns (that cars) instead of those.
- Confusing this/that based only on distance, ignoring discourse context.
- Assuming that that always appears before a verb phrase in all structures.
- Thinking that the word can only refer to people, not objects.
Thinking Differences
For native English speakers, that carries both a pointing sense and a determiner function, which can be tricky when speakers barely rely on body language. Learners often mix up this and that based on distance, or overgeneralize the 'the' feeling to other determiners.
Learning Tips
- Practice choosing between this and that with near vs far objects.
- Use that to refer back to a noun mentioned earlier to avoid repetition.
- Explain with a gesture to reinforce the meaning when teaching others.
- Contrast that with this in informal speech to show distinction.
- Remember that that can introduce clauses (that I was telling you about).
- Review examples where that marks a specific member of a group.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
Which definition best matches the word 'that'?
A.A word used to point to a specific person or thing or to introduce a clause
B.A tool used for measuring length
C.A feeling of great surprise
D.A small animal kept as a pet
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'that' correctly?
A.She put that fragile on the shelf.
B.I remember the day that we met.
C.He is taller that his brother.
D.They will that the contract tomorrow.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar in use or meaning to 'that'?
A.because
B.who
C.which
D.over
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word functions as an opposite of 'that' in demonstrative terms?
A.every
B.which
C.this
D.none
Step 5: Mastery
Which real-life prompt is most likely to lead you to use the word 'that' correctly when giving an example aloud?
A.List three colors you like.
B.Describe a particular item you remember from your childhood.
C.Explain the steps of a simple recipe.
D.Describe the weather today.
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App