What is what part of speech is that?

"That" is a versatile word in English and can function as several different parts of speech, depending on its context. Here's a breakdown:

• Demonstrative Pronoun: This is the most common use. It points to a specific noun or noun phrase. Examples:

  • "That is a beautiful bird." (refers to a specific bird)
  • "I don't like that." (refers to a previously mentioned thing)

• Demonstrative Adjective: Similar to the pronoun use, but it modifies a noun. It's still pointing to something specific. Examples:

  • "I want that car." (modifies "car")
  • "Give me that book." (modifies "book")

• Relative Pronoun: Introduces a relative clause, providing extra information about a noun. Examples:

  • "The house that Jack built is very old." (connects the relative clause to "house")
  • "This is the song that I love." (connects the relative clause to "song")

• Conjunction (Subordinating Conjunction): Introduces a subordinate clause, often expressing a reason or result. Examples:

  • "He was tired, that is why he went home." (shows consequence)
  • "It's raining, that I know." (introduces a clause that adds information)

• Adverb: Less common, but can function as an adverb, usually modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb, to indicate degree or extent. Examples:

  • "The movie was that much better." (modifies "better")
  • "He ran that fast." (modifies "fast")

To determine the part of speech of "that," you need to examine its function within the sentence. Look at what it modifies or what clause it introduces.