The word 'that' appears in English every few sentences. It has two different pronunciations, and natives switch between them without thinking. Most learners say only the strong form, which makes every sentence sound over-emphasized. Here's the rule that fixes it.
The Rule
'That' has a strong form and a weak form:
- Strong form: /ðæt/ — clear A sound, stressed
- Weak form: /ðət/ — reduced to schwa, unstressed
Which form you use depends on the grammatical role of 'that' in the sentence.
When to Use the Strong Form /ðæt/
Use the strong, clear pronunciation when 'that' is a demonstrative (pointing to something specific) or a pronoun.
1. Demonstrative adjective (points to a noun)
2. Demonstrative pronoun (stands alone)
When to Use the Weak Form /ðət/
Use the reduced pronunciation when 'that' is a conjunction (linking clauses) or a relative pronoun (introducing a clause).
1. Conjunction (after think, say, know, believe, etc.)
2. Relative pronoun (describing a noun)
Side-by-Side Examples
| Sentence | Role | Form |
|---|---|---|
| I saw that. | Pronoun | /ðæt/ strong |
| I saw that he left. | Conjunction | /ðət/ weak |
| That is my car. | Pronoun | /ðæt/ strong |
| The car that I bought. | Relative pronoun | /ðət/ weak |
| I want that one. | Adjective | /ðæt/ strong |
| He said that he'd come. | Conjunction | /ðət/ weak |
The Easy Test
If you can replace 'that' with 'this' or 'it' without losing meaning, you need the strong form.
- 'That is mine' → 'This is mine' ✓ → strong /ðæt/
- 'I think that he left' → 'I think this he left' ✗ → weak /ðət/
Another quick test
If you can delete 'that' without losing meaning, it's likely the weak form:
- 'I think that he left.' → 'I think he left.' ✓ (weak /ðət/, can be dropped)
- 'That is mine.' → 'Is mine.' ✗ (strong /ðæt/, cannot be dropped)
Why This Matters
Saying strong /ðæt/ every single time is technically correct but sounds overly formal and robotic. It also breaks the rhythm of English, which relies on alternating stressed and unstressed syllables. Natives keep 'that' short and invisible when it's a grammar word, and clear and strong when it carries meaning.
Practice Sentences
Read these aloud, reducing 'that' in the weak-form sentences:
- Strong: 'THAT is the one I want.'
- Weak: 'I know that he called.' → 'I know thət he called.'
- Strong: 'Look at THAT!'
- Weak: 'She hopes that you're well.' → 'She hopes thət you're well.'
- Strong: 'Give me THAT pen.'
- Weak: 'The house that Jack built.' → 'The house thət Jack built.'
One More Nuance
In really fast speech, the weak 'that' can reduce even further. After verbs of thinking/saying, it often drops completely:
- 'I know that he left.' → 'I know he left.' (that dropped)
- 'She said that she'd come.' → 'She said she'd come.' (that dropped)
But when you do say it, say it quickly with a schwa.
Quick Recap
- 'That' has two pronunciations: strong /ðæt/ and weak /ðət/.
- Strong: when 'that' points to something (demonstrative adjective or pronoun).
- Weak: when 'that' is a conjunction or relative pronoun.
- Test 1: If you can replace with 'this' → strong.
- Test 2: If you can delete 'that' without losing meaning → weak.
- Using only the strong form sounds robotic and breaks English rhythm.
Master this and your speech will start flowing instead of stomping.