Take THAT

[Trionyx]

While reviewing and editing a story of mine, I looked at those words I tend to overuse. It turns out my use of one particular word was slightly over one percent of all the words in the story. By reworking things, I was able to remove a significant number of them which, in turn, made me rewrite sections of the story.

A reminder to others to keep track of word counts. You may be surprised and benefit from reworking things.

And see there…I did not use that word once in this posting, that I can recall.

 

[StillStunned]

I usually leave "that" in. Quite often it adds a backbeat (is that the word I'm looking for?) to the rhythm of the sentence that makes for a pleasing and fuller effect.

 

[Five_Inch_Heels]

I've seen it said here that that can always be removed.

Well, at least one of them.

 

[TheLobster]

I usually leave "that" in. Quite often it adds a backbeat (is that the word I'm looking for?) to the rhythm of the sentence that makes for a pleasing and fuller effect.

I do similarly, adding or removing "that" or other seemingly superfluous words to achieve the cadence and rhythm I want. I started doing the same with "and", probably thanks to having some Hemmingway recently, and (see what I did there?) I think the fluidity of my prose improved as a result.

 

[Britva415]

Half the time, "that" can be changed to "which." And half of those times, it should be.

I do this sometimes to avoid repetition and sometimes to remove ambiguity. "That" serves as so many parts of speech and meanings that it can be very ambiguous, and replacing it with "which" where appropriate makes it unambiguous.

 

[yowser]

Half the time, "that" can be changed to "which." And half of those times, it should be.

I do this sometimes to avoid repetition and sometimes to remove ambiguity. "That" serves as so many parts of speech and meanings that it can be very ambiguous, and replacing it with "which" where appropriate makes it unambiguous.

My understanding was fairly well summed up by SamScribble. Agreed that sound and non-repetition often makes a difference in choice.

As a general rule: which informs and that defines.

This is the house that Jack built.

The house, which Jack built, is just across the river.

 

[MrPixel]

I am ever so vigilant about "that". My writing style keeps inserting "that" as it is written in real time, proofreading after the fact seems to eliminate about 2/3 of them. IOW, usually unnecessary.

 

[stickygirl]

I once heard someone say, unironically 'some people do do what you do' and I remarked 'that that's the most stupid thing I've heard you say'. I suspect he had had as much of my sarcasm that he could bear and he could barely contain his anger.

 

[TheLobster]

I once heard someone say, unironically 'some people do do what you do' and I remarked 'that that's the most stupid thing I've heard you say'. I suspect he had had as much of my sarcasm that he could bear and he could barely contain his anger.

For some reason, this makes me think of buffaloes.

 

[stickygirl]

For some reason, this makes me think of buffaloes.

do do?

 

[TheLobster]

do do?

Unlike buffaloes, I believe those are sadly extinct.

 

[stickygirl]

While reviewing and editing a story of mine, I looked at those words I tend to overuse. It turns out my use of one particular word was slightly over one percent of all the words in the story. By reworking things, I was able to remove a significant number of them which, in turn, made me rewrite sections of the story.

A reminder to others to keep track of word counts. You may be surprised and benefit from reworking things.

And see there…I did not use that word once in this posting, that I can recall.

I agree and checking repeated word usage is a useful way to cure writer's blindness. Another trick I sue is get my computer to read sections of a story back to me, which can reveal a variety of faults. Once you've done all that, then beg favours with your proof reader

 

[Kelliezgirl]

I thought this was a music appreciation thread.

 

[pink_silk_glove]

I purposely put the thats in the narrative (not the dialogue) unless I'm writing first person informal voicing.

 

[JuanSeiszFitzHall]

I once heard someone say, unironically 'some people do do what you do' and I remarked 'that that's the most stupid thing I've heard you say'. I suspect he had had as much of my sarcasm that he could bear and he could barely contain his anger.

that voodoo that you do so well

 

[NuclearFairy]

Half the time, "that" can be changed to "which." And half of those times, it should be.

I do this sometimes to avoid repetition and sometimes to remove ambiguity. "That" serves as so many parts of speech and meanings that it can be very ambiguous, and replacing it with "which" where appropriate makes it unambiguous.

Huh, I barely use that, but I do tend to overuse which quite often. Maybe I should try switching out some of my whiches for thats.

 

[stickygirl]

Which witches do do that?

 

[stickygirl]

Huh, I barely use that, but I do tend to overuse which quite often. Maybe I should try switching out some of my whiches for thats.

Witches hat


Sorry, I've not had a coffee yeti

 

[stickygirl]

What exactly is a lineman, as in whichita lineman? He is a bloke that paints the centre line on a road?
( still not had coffee )