A few days ago
Anonymous

Which is grammatically correct?

I thought that you would like it.

I thought you would like it.

When do you use “that” ?

Top 9 Answers
A few days ago
David S

Favorite Answer

In the example you’ve given they’re both grammatically correct.

English uses the word “that” in three different ways. First as a demonstrative pronoun (as opposed to “this”), second as a complimentizer, and third to introduce a restrictive clause. In your example it’s being used as a complimentizer, which is basically like a contraction (it combines two clauses into one sentence). When being used as a complimentizer “that” is typically optional.

When used to introduce a restrictive clause, however, “that” is essential. Compare:

The gun that shot the man was found in the river.

to the incorrect:

The gun shot the man was found in the river.

2

A few days ago
Kathryn
Using the “that” is more appropriate in formal writing. Your sentence is still grammatically correct without it (it is understood if it is left out), but if you’re writing a formal paper for a class assignment, you should include the “that.”
1

A few days ago
Navigator
It’s grammatically correct to include the word “that” in your sentence, but in less formal usage “that” will be understood if you leave it out.

Whether you use “that” depends on the situation. In your English class, you **do** need to use it.

3

A few days ago
pacinorock
Both sentences are correct. It all depends on what you are saying it for.

You use THAT to introduce a restrictive clause , a demonstrative pronoun or a complementizer.

1

A few days ago
Anonymous
It’s optional. The “that” is implied when it is not present. In more formal speech, I would tend to include it, but the sentence is fine either way.
3

A few days ago
?
This one is correct “I thought you would like it.”

You use that when you are referring to a thing

0

A few days ago
banana
they are both correct, but ‘I thought that you would like it.’ is more grammatically correct
0

A few days ago
Fearfully & wonderfully made
I thought you would like it.
1

A few days ago
Anonymous
Its optional, one is formal the other is not
1