cofused at using (that)

[right]

Usually I hesitate to use (that). I can not decide whether it's optional or not.

[bejay]

Well it depends where you want to use "THAT". Always try n hear to how the sentence sounds,if it doesn't sound right you'll know "THAT" there is something worng in the way you have phrased your sentence. "THAT's" my tip for you.

[matbocau194]

Hi right,
"That" is used quite often and here are some rules in using "that":

1/ "That" as a Pronoun:
Ex: That's my tip for you. (quoted Bejay)
--> Certainly, "that" cannot be omitted in this case.

2/ "That" in Relative Clauses (Adj Clauses):
That = who (subject)
That = whom (object)
That = which (subject/object)

--> We cannot omit "that" if it's used as the subject of adj clause.
Ex: The man who/that is smoking there is my father.

--> We can omit "that" if it's used as the object in adj clause.
Ex: The man (whom/that) I met yesterday is my father.

3/ "That" in Noun Clauses:
Ex 1: That he left me alone made me cry a lot. (Subject + verb)
If a noun clause with "that" is used as a subject of the sentence, we cannot omit "that".

Ex 2: I think that he is a good man. (Object)
=I think he is a good man
If a noun clause with "that" is used as an object of the sentence, we can omit "that" (especially, in American English or spoken English).

Hope this could help.
Regards!