that that

USAGE SUMMARY

'that that' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to refer back to a previous statement. For example: I believe that the book is an interesting read. That that, I can't seem to stop thinking about it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That — that was special".

The New York Times - Sports

That - that was the time.

Cornell University

I like that, that edge".

The New York Times - Arts

This means that ; that is,.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

This shows that ; that is,.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Because that, that-.

Huffington Post

Not that that mattered.

The New York Times

Not that that helped.

Independent

Except that that doesn't happen.

The Economist

Not that that needs repeating.

The Economist

That that be too pessimistic.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that that", ensure the repetition serves a purpose, such as emphasizing a particular point or clarifying which 'that' you are referring to. Avoid using it unnecessarily, as it can sometimes sound awkward.

Common error

Avoid using "that that" simply as filler. If the sentence works just as well without the repetition, remove one of the "that" instances to maintain clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "that that" is to act as a demonstrative pronoun followed by a subordinating conjunction. It's used to refer back to a previous clause or idea, with the second "that" introducing a clause that further explains or emphasizes the first. According to Ludwig, it is correct, yet may sound repetitive if overused.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that that" is a grammatically valid phrase used for emphasis or clarification by referring back to a previously stated "that". While Ludwig confirms its correctness, the tool also highlights that overusing it can lead to redundancy. It's most commonly found in News & Media, Academia and Science domains. Remember to use it sparingly to ensure clarity and avoid sounding repetitive, opting for alternatives like "the fact that" when appropriate. To make certain about usage, it’s crucial to consider the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the fact that

Replaces the repetition with a more formal and concise phrasing.

that particular

Adds specificity to the "that" being referenced, reducing redundancy.

that specific

Similar to "that particular" but emphasizes the distinct nature of the item.

the aforementioned

Formally refers back to something previously mentioned.

the one that

Offers a more conversational way to specify which "that" is meant.

this very

Emphasizes the importance or immediacy of the "that" being discussed.

the point that

Shifts focus to the idea or argument being made.

the concept that

Similar to "the point that" but emphasizes the abstract nature.

what was stated

Rephrases to directly refer to a previous statement.

as indicated earlier

Formally points back to a prior reference.

FAQs

How can I use "that that" in a sentence?

Use "that that" when you need to refer back to a previously mentioned "that", especially when clarity is needed. For example: "I believe that the book is an interesting read. That that, I can't seem to stop thinking about it."

What can I say instead of "that that" to avoid repetition?

You can use alternatives like "the fact that", "that particular", or "the aforementioned" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "that that" in a sentence?

Yes, it is grammatically correct but should be used sparingly. The phrase "that that" is used to refer back to a previous statement, adding emphasis or clarification.

When is it appropriate to use "that that" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "that that" when the sentence structure requires a clarification of which "that" you are referring to, or when you want to emphasize a previously mentioned "that". However, ensure its usage adds value and doesn't sound repetitive.