that january

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that January" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific January in a conversation or narrative, often to indicate a time frame or event that occurred during that month. Example: "I remember that January was particularly cold, and we had several snowstorms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Knowing that January will end.

The New York Times

The rebellion had started that January.

The Guardian

Kasowitz held the event that January.

The New Yorker

Allardyce added: "Everybody knows that January is not positive.

Independent

He also can't remember what, exactly, he was doing for an hour after school that January.

The New Yorker

Testimony on Capitol Hill followed that January flight, as did a slew of other public appearances.

The New York Times - Arts

(Or maybe it indicates that January is a slow month for new releases).

The New York Times - Arts

There is a feeling that January is not the kind of time to make those signings.

Independent

The book also challenges the myth that January, 2011, was beautiful and peaceful.

The New Yorker

Here at the Covers Contest, we resolved that January would be a month of body-purification.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Toyota reported that January-March profit slid to ¥25.4bn (£188m) from ¥112.2bn a year earlier.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "that January" with specific details to ensure clarity, such as "that January of 2020".

Common error

Avoid using "that January" when introducing January for the first time. Use "in January" instead. "That January" is best when referring to a January already established in the conversation or text.

Linguistic Context

That January acts as a determiner phrase, specifying a particular instance of the month of January. Ludwig AI suggests that it indicates a specific time frame within a narrative or conversation where the reader/listener already knows about the January in question.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

3%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that January" is grammatically correct and functions as a determiner phrase to specify a particular January within a known context, as supported by Ludwig AI. It commonly appears in news and media sources. When using this phrase, ensure that the specific January is clear to your audience. Consider alternatives such as "the January in question" or specifying the year for added clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the January in question

Replaces "that" with "the in question" to emphasize a specific January previously discussed.

the January mentioned earlier

Specifies January by referring back to a prior mention.

the January we're talking about

Highlights that a specific January is the topic of conversation.

the aforementioned January

Uses a more formal tone to refer to a January previously referenced.

that specific January

Emphasizes the particularity of the January being discussed.

the January of that year

Adds context by linking the January to a specific year.

the January of that period

Adds context by linking the January to a specific period.

the January in those days

Adds context by linking the January to a time in the past.

the January back then

Adds context by referring to the January during a past period.

January of that time

Uses an inverted structure to refer to a specific January.

FAQs

How is "that January" used in a sentence?

Use "that January" to refer to a specific January already known or previously mentioned in the context. For example, "We met in December, and "that January" we started working together."

What are some alternatives to using "that January"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "the January in question", "the aforementioned January", or specify the year, such as "January 2020".

Is it correct to say "in that January"?

While grammatically understandable, "in that January" is less common and sounds awkward. It's better to use ""that January"" or "in January of that year" for clarity and natural flow.

When should I use "that January" versus just "January"?

Use "January" when referring to January in general. Use ""that January"" when referring to a specific January already discussed or understood in the context. For example, "January is usually cold, but "that January" was exceptionally mild".