2that conjunction
1 — used to introduce a clause that is the subject or object of a verb ▪ That he said no is not surprising. ▪ I never said that I was afraid. ▪ Mom said that we could go to the park. ▪ The reason for his absence is that he is ill. 2 — used to introduce a clause that completes or explains the meaning of a previous noun or adjective or of the pronoun it ▪ There is a chance that it might rain. ▪ I am certain that it is true. ▪ It's not surprising that he said no. ▪ It is unlikely that she'll be in. ▪ He made it clear that he needed our help. ▪ It's not that they said no—that's not why I'm upset; it's that they were so rude about it. ▪ (formal) The power of the wind was such that trees were uprooted. 3 — used to introduce a clause that states a reason or purpose ▪ I'm glad that you're here. ▪ I am sorry that you lost your dog. ▪ (literary) Rejoice that the war is over! ▪ (literary) “The Lord only gives us our worldly goods that we may do justice and mercy…” — Harriet Beecher Stowe, Uncle Tom's Cabin (1852) ▪ She was saving money so that she could buy a car. ▪ Carry it with both hands so that you don't drop it. 4 — used especially after a phrase beginning with so or such to introduce a clause that states a result ▪ She was so dizzy that she fell down. ▪ He was in such a rush that he forgot to take his hat. 5 literary — used to introduce a clause expressing surprise, sorrow, anger, desire, etc. ▪ Oh, that he would come back! [=I wish that he would come back] ▪ That it should come to this! [=I am very shocked, disappointed, etc., by this result]
usage That in senses 1, 2, 3 and 4 is often omitted in informal English, except when it is used at the beginning of a sentence.
▪ I never said (that) I was afraid. ▪ There is a chance (that) it might rain. ▪ I am certain (that) it's true. ▪ I'm glad (that) you're here. ▪ Carry it with both hands so (that) you don't drop it. ▪ She was so dizzy (that) she fell down. ▪ He was in such a rush (that) he forgot to take his hat.
▪ I never said (that) I was afraid. ▪ There is a chance (that) it might rain. ▪ I am certain (that) it's true. ▪ I'm glad (that) you're here. ▪ Carry it with both hands so (that) you don't drop it. ▪ She was so dizzy (that) she fell down. ▪ He was in such a rush (that) he forgot to take his hat.
in that — see 2in
not that
— used to say that something that may seem true is not true ▪ She ignored my suggestion—not that I care. [=I do not care that she ignored my suggestion] ▪ Not that it matters much [=it does not matter much], but is the artist a man or a woman? ▪ Some people lie to get out of jury duty. Not that I ever would, of course. [=I would never lie to get out of jury duty]
