The word “that” is one of the most common words in English, but using it too often can make writing feel repetitive or unclear. If you are writing an essay, preparing an academic assignment, creating website content, or having a casual conversation, learning how to use “that” in different ways can help you express your ideas more clearly.
However, finding synonyms of “that” is not as simple as replacing it with another word. Its meaning changes with the sentence. It can point to a person or thing, introduce extra information, connect ideas, or describe something already mentioned. Words such as “which,” “who,” “this,” and “those” may work in certain situations, but they cannot replace “that” in every sentence.
This guide explores 21 useful alternatives to “that,” with simple definitions and natural examples. You will also learn which options work best in formal writing, everyday speech, academic essays, and IELTS responses. The guide explains common mistakes, stronger and softer alternatives, and practical ways to choose the right word for your sentence.
By the end, you will understand not only which words can replace “that,” but also when keeping the original word is the clearest choice.
What Does “That” Mean?
“That” is a common English word that can perform several grammatical jobs. Depending on its position in a sentence, it can act as a demonstrative determiner, a demonstrative pronoun, a relative pronoun, or a conjunction. It can also function as an adverb when describing degree.
Here are its main uses:
- Pointing to something: “That book belongs to me.” The word identifies a particular book.
- Replacing a noun: “That is my favorite.” Here, “that” stands in for a thing or idea.
- Connecting information: “I believe that she is right.” It introduces the information being believed.
- Adding details about a noun: “The movie that we watched was funny.” It connects the noun “movie” to more information.
- Showing degree: “The box is not that heavy.” It describes how heavy the box is.
The tone of “that” is neutral, and it works in casual, professional, and academic writing. Its meaning depends on context, so there is no single replacement that fits every use.
One important rule is to identify the grammatical role before choosing an alternative. For example, “who” can replace “that” when referring to people in certain relative clauses, but it cannot naturally replace the conjunction in “I think that he is honest.”
21 Best Synonyms for “That”
The following 21 alternatives cover different uses of “that.” Some are close grammatical substitutes, while others work only in specific contexts. Choose the option that preserves the original meaning.
1. Which
Meaning: Refers to a thing or adds information about something.
Tone: Neutral, formal, academic.
Example: The report, which was published yesterday, contains new findings.
Difference: “Which” is often used for things in relative clauses. In standard American English, “that” commonly introduces essential information, while “which” often introduces extra information after a comma.
2. Who
Meaning: Refers to a person or people.
Tone: Neutral, formal.
Example: The student who won the prize thanked her teacher.
Difference: Use “who” for people when describing them in a relative clause. It is not a general substitute for “that.”
3. Whom
Meaning: Refers to a person who receives an action or follows a preposition.
Tone: Formal.
Example: The author whom we interviewed shared useful advice.
Difference: “Whom” is the object form of “who.” It is more common in formal writing than in everyday speech.
4. Whose
Meaning: Shows ownership or a relationship.
Tone: Neutral, formal.
Example: I met a writer whose book became popular.
Difference: Use “whose” when you need to show possession. It does not replace “that” in every sentence.
5. This
Meaning: Points to a particular person, thing, or idea, often one that is near or currently being discussed.
Tone: Neutral, conversational.
Example: This is the answer I was looking for.
Difference: “This” often points to something near in space, time, or discussion. It can also refer to an idea in a previous sentence.
6. These
Meaning: Points to more than one person or thing.
Tone: Neutral.
Example: These are the files you requested.
Difference: “These” is plural, so it cannot replace singular “that” when the sentence refers to only one thing.
7. Those
Meaning: Points to particular people or things in the plural.
Tone: Neutral.
Example: Those are the shoes I want to buy.
Difference: “Those” is often used for things farther away or already distinguished from others. It may also refer to ideas mentioned earlier.
8. It
Meaning: Refers to a thing, situation, or idea already identified.
Tone: Neutral.
Example: The plan is simple, and it should work well.
Difference: “It” can improve flow when the noun or idea is clear. It cannot replace “that” in every grammatical structure.
9. What
Meaning: Refers to a thing or information, often with the sense of “the thing that.”
Tone: Neutral, conversational, academic.
Example: What she said changed my mind.
Difference: “What” can introduce a clause that acts as a noun. For example, “I understand what you mean” is natural, but “I understand what you are correct” is not.
10. Whatever
Meaning: Refers to any thing or choice within a stated situation.
Tone: Neutral, conversational.
Example: Choose whatever makes you comfortable.
Difference: “Whatever” suggests an open choice or lack of restriction. It is not a direct substitute when “that” simply identifies one specific object.
11. Such
Meaning: Describes a particular kind or type already identified or explained.
Tone: Formal, academic.
Example: Such behavior can damage trust.
Difference: “Such” emphasizes a kind or quality. It usually requires a suitable noun or grammatical structure.
12. The
Meaning: Identifies a particular person or thing known from the context.
Tone: Neutral, universal.
Example: The book on the desk belongs to Maya.
Difference: “The” is an article, not a direct synonym. It may replace a demonstrative determiner in a sentence when the intended reference remains clear.
13. One
Meaning: Refers to a single person or thing, sometimes replacing a previously mentioned noun.
Tone: Neutral.
Example: I like the blue shirt more than the red one.
Difference: “One” avoids repeating a noun. It does not usually replace “that” when “that” introduces a clause.
14. The one
Meaning: Identifies a specific person or thing from a group.
Tone: Neutral, conversational.
Example: The one that you recommended was excellent.
Difference: This phrase can help identify a particular choice. Notice that it may contain “that” itself, so it is not always a way to remove the word.
15. The fact that
Meaning: Presents information as a fact or circumstance.
Tone: Formal, academic.
Example: The fact that she arrived early impressed the team.
Difference: This phrase adds emphasis and can make a sentence longer. Use it when the factual nature of the information matters.
16. The idea that
Meaning: Introduces a belief, suggestion, or concept.
Tone: Neutral, academic.
Example: The idea that practice improves skill is widely understood.
Difference: “The idea that” presents information as a concept or belief, rather than simply introducing a statement.
17. The claim that
Meaning: Introduces a statement that someone says is true.
Tone: Formal, academic.
Example: The claim that the product is completely safe needs evidence.
Difference: “The claim that” can suggest that a statement requires examination or proof. Avoid it when the information is not actually being presented as a claim.
18. The notion that
Meaning: Introduces an idea or belief, sometimes one that is being questioned.
Tone: Formal, academic.
Example: The notion that success comes without effort is misleading.
Difference: “Notion” often refers to a general belief or assumption. It may sound more formal than “idea.”
19. Thereupon
Meaning: Means immediately after that event or action.
Tone: Formal, literary.
Example: The judge announced the decision, and the meeting thereupon ended.
Difference: “Thereupon” describes what happens next. It is not a general substitute for “that” and can sound old-fashioned in everyday writing.
20. Therefore
Meaning: Shows that one statement follows logically from another.
Tone: Formal, academic.
Example: The sample was contaminated; therefore, the test was repeated.
Difference: “Therefore” expresses a result or conclusion. It works only when the intended relationship between ideas is logical or consequential.
21. Thus
Meaning: Shows a result, conclusion, or manner of doing something.
Tone: Formal, academic.
Example: The team reduced waste and thus lowered its costs.
Difference: “Thus” can show a consequence or explain how something happens. Like “therefore,” it cannot replace “that” in ordinary noun or relative clauses.
Stronger Alternatives
Some expressions can make a sentence more precise or give an idea greater weight. However, stronger alternatives to “that” usually change the meaning or structure rather than simply replacing the word.
1. The fact that
Use this phrase when you want to emphasize a real circumstance.
Example: The fact that he finished early surprised everyone.
It gives more weight to the information than a simple clause may provide.
2. The very idea that
Use this expression to show surprise, disbelief, or strong feelings about a suggestion.
Example: The very idea that she would cheat shocked her classmates.
It carries more emotion than the neutral word “that.”
3. The claim that
Use it when a statement needs proof, discussion, or examination.
Example: The claim that the method always works remains unproven.
It is suitable for critical and academic writing, especially when the statement is disputed.
4. The assertion that
Use it when someone states something firmly or confidently.
Example: The assertion that prices will fall needs further support.
It sounds more formal and may suggest a definite statement rather than a proven fact.
5. The assumption that
Use it when an idea is accepted as true without enough evidence.
Example: The assumption that everyone agrees may be mistaken.
This phrase is useful for explaining weak reasoning or questioning beliefs.
6. The notion that
Use it when discussing an idea, belief, or general understanding.
Example: The notion that money guarantees happiness is open to debate.
It sounds more formal than “the idea that” and can suggest a belief worth examining.
Important: These expressions are not interchangeable in every sentence. Choose the one that matches the meaning you want to express.
Softer or Polite Alternatives
In polite communication, replacing “that” may help make a sentence sound warmer or less direct. However, a softer tone often comes from changing the entire sentence rather than changing one word.
1. This
Use “this” when referring to an idea you are introducing or discussing.
Example: This is the point I wanted to share.
It can sound immediate and clear without adding unnecessary formality.
2. What
Use “what” to introduce a thought or request naturally.
Example: I understand what you are saying.
This is often smoother than repeating a noun or idea.
3. The idea that
Use this expression to discuss someone’s suggestion without presenting it as an unquestionable fact.
Example: I appreciate the idea that we could work together.
It can make a discussion sound open-minded, although the phrase is not automatically more polite in every situation.
4. The possibility that
Use it when you want to discuss something that might happen without claiming it will happen.
Example: We should consider the possibility that the delivery may be delayed.
It sounds cautious and is useful in professional communication.
5. The suggestion that
Use it when discussing a proposal or recommendation.
Example: I like the suggestion that we start the meeting earlier.
It is useful when responding positively or neutrally to someone’s proposal.
6. Whether
Use “whether” when discussing alternatives or uncertainty between possibilities.
Example: We need to decide whether the plan is practical.
It is not a direct replacement for “that,” but it can make a sentence more precise when a choice or uncertainty is involved.
Tip: For polite emails, focus on the full message. Phrases such as “Could you please explain…” or “I would appreciate it if…” often matter more to the tone than replacing a single word.
Academic & IELTS-Friendly Alternatives
Academic writing benefits from precise vocabulary, clear relationships between ideas, and correct grammar. The following eight options can improve your writing when they match the sentence’s meaning.
| Alternative | Best use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Which | Adding information about a thing | The study, which examined sleep, found a pattern. |
| Who | Describing a person | Students who revise regularly may feel more prepared. |
| Whom | Referring to a person as an object | The researcher whom we interviewed explained the method. |
| Whose | Showing ownership or association | Participants whose results differed were reviewed. |
| The fact that | Emphasizing a circumstance | The fact that costs increased requires attention. |
| The assumption that | Examining an unproven belief | The assumption that all learners progress equally is questionable. |
| The claim that | Discussing a statement that needs support | The claim that technology improves every lesson requires evidence. |
| Therefore | Showing a logical result | The sample was small; therefore, the findings are limited. |
How to use these alternatives in IELTS writing
Do not replace every occurrence of “that” just to demonstrate vocabulary. IELTS writing rewards clear communication, accurate grammar, and appropriate word choice.
Consider this sentence:
“Some people believe that online learning is more effective.”
The word “that” is correct and natural. Removing it may also be acceptable:
“Some people believe online learning is more effective.”
Both versions communicate the same basic idea. The second is shorter, but the first may be easier to read for some learners.
Now consider:
“The study that examined online learning included 200 students.”
Here, “that” introduces essential information about the study. You could write:
“The study which examined online learning included 200 students.”
This is possible in some varieties of English, although style preferences differ. You should not change the sentence to “The study therefore examined online learning,” because “therefore” changes the relationship between the ideas.
The best academic vocabulary is vocabulary that expresses your intended meaning accurately.
Synonyms You Should Avoid
Some words appear similar to “that” but cannot replace it without changing the sentence’s meaning or grammar.
1. Therefore
Why to avoid it: It expresses a result, not a reference or a clause connection.
Incorrect: “I know therefore she is honest.”
Better: “I know that she is honest.”
Use “therefore” when a conclusion follows from earlier information.
2. Which
Why to avoid it: “Which” does not work in every relative clause, especially when referring to people.
Awkward: “The teacher which helped me was kind.”
Better: “The teacher who helped me was kind.”
Use “which” for things and “who” for people in standard usage.
3. What
Why to avoid it: “What” often means “the thing that,” so it cannot replace “that” mechanically.
Incorrect: “I believe what she is correct.”
Better: “I believe that she is correct.”
Use “what” when it introduces the information or thing being discussed.
4. Whatever
Why to avoid it: It can suggest any choice or thing, rather than one specific thing.
Original: “I want that book.”
Different meaning: “I want whatever book you choose.”
The second sentence gives someone else more freedom to choose.
5. This
Why to avoid it: It may point to something being introduced or nearby rather than something already identified.
Original: “The phone that I bought is expensive.”
Different meaning: “This phone is expensive.”
The second sentence does not tell the reader which phone was bought. Use “this” only when the reference is clear.
The main lesson is simple: a word that looks similar is not always a suitable synonym. Check both the meaning and the grammar before making a substitution.
How to Choose the Right Synonym in Writing
Choosing a suitable alternative to “that” begins with understanding what the word does in your sentence. Follow these practical steps.
1. Identify the meaning
Ask yourself whether “that” points to a thing, refers to a person, introduces a statement, or connects extra information.
For example:
- “The bag that I bought is blue.” Here, “that” introduces information identifying the bag.
- “I think that he is right.” Here, “that” introduces the content of a thought.
- “That is my seat.” Here, “that” points to something.
Each use requires a different approach.
2. Match the grammar
Make sure your alternative fits the sentence structure.
Use “who” for people in suitable relative clauses, “which” for things in suitable clauses, and “whose” to show ownership.
Do not use a connecting word such as “therefore” where a relative pronoun or conjunction is required.
3. Consider the audience
For everyday conversation, simple wording is usually best.
For example:
- Casual: “I think that we should leave.”
- Concise: “I think we should leave.”
- Formal: “The evidence suggests that we should leave.”
All three are understandable, but each fits a slightly different context.
4. Keep the tone appropriate
Academic phrases such as “the assertion that” and “the assumption that” can be useful in research papers. In casual conversation, they may sound unnecessarily formal.
Instead of saying, “The assertion that you made was helpful,” you could say, “Your point was helpful.”
The second version is shorter and more natural in many everyday settings.
5. Check clarity
A replacement should help the reader understand the sentence. It should not make the sentence longer without adding useful meaning.
For example:
Wordy: “The fact that the road was wet caused the accident.”
Clearer: “The wet road caused the accident.”
The shorter sentence may be better if the wet road is the main point. However, if you need to emphasize the circumstance itself, the longer version may be appropriate.
6. Do not force variety
Repeating “that” is not automatically a writing mistake. It is a common grammatical word, and many sentences sound better with it than without it.
Read your sentence aloud. If the original wording is clear and natural, there may be no reason to change it.
Example Paragraph Rewritten Using Synonyms
Here is a short paragraph showing how different alternatives can work in context.
Original paragraph:
“The teacher said that the students needed more practice. She explained that the test would cover the topics that they had studied. The students agreed that they should review their notes.”
Rewritten paragraph:
“The teacher said the students needed more practice. She explained that the test would cover the topics which they had studied. The students agreed that they should review their notes.”
Why these changes work:
- In the first sentence, removing “that” makes the wording shorter without changing the main meaning.
- In the second sentence, “which” is a possible alternative to “that” in some varieties and styles of English, although many American style guides prefer “that” for essential information.
- In the third sentence, keeping “that” is perfectly natural. Replacing it would not improve the sentence.
Here is another example:
Original: “The fact that the roads were closed meant that we arrived late.”
Rewritten: “Because the roads were closed, we arrived late.”
The rewritten version is more direct. “Because” clearly expresses the reason for arriving late, while “the fact that” places more emphasis on the circumstance.
These examples show why good editing is not about replacing every repeated word. It is about choosing the clearest structure for the intended meaning.
FAQs
1. What are the best synonyms of that?
The best alternatives depend on the sentence. “Which,” “who,” “whose,” “this,” “those,” and “what” work in specific grammatical contexts. Expressions such as “the fact that” and “the idea that” can also be useful when introducing information.
2. Can I use “which” instead of “that”?
Sometimes. Both can introduce relative clauses referring to things, but usage depends on the sentence and the style guide. In standard American English, “that” is commonly preferred for essential information, while “which” often introduces extra information after a comma.
3. Can I remove “that” from a sentence?
Often, yes. For example, “I believe that she is right” can become “I believe she is right.” However, removing “that” is not always possible or helpful. Check whether the sentence remains clear and grammatical.
4. What is a formal alternative to “that”?
There is no single formal replacement for every use. “Which,” “whose,” “the fact that,” and “the assertion that” may be suitable in specific contexts. Choose according to the meaning rather than formality alone.
5. What can I use instead of “that” in IELTS writing?
You can use “which,” “who,” “whose,” “the assumption that,” or “the claim that” when the sentence supports them. You can also remove “that” after some reporting verbs. Accuracy and clarity are more important than using complicated words.
6. Is “this” the same as “that”?
No. Both can point to a person, thing, or idea, but they often differ in distance, reference, or context. “This” commonly refers to something near or currently being introduced, while “that” often points to something farther away or already identified.
7. How can I avoid repeating “that” in an essay?
First, check whether each use is necessary. Remove it when the sentence remains clear, use a suitable relative pronoun when appropriate, or restructure the sentence. Do not replace every occurrence with a different word, because that can introduce grammatical errors or change the meaning.
Conclusion
Learning synonyms of “that” can make your writing clearer, more varied, and more precise, but the right choice depends on how the word is used. “Which” and “who” can work in relative clauses, “this” and “those” can point to particular things, and expressions such as “the fact that” can emphasize information.
Words such as “therefore” and “thus” express relationships between ideas rather than serving as direct replacements.
The most useful habit is to check the meaning and grammar of each sentence before changing a word.
Sometimes a suitable alternative improves the flow; at other times, keeping “that” is the best choice. Aim for clear, natural English rather than variety for its own sake.
Milo Carter is a passionate writer who loves exploring words, synonyms, and antonyms. Through SynantonymLab, he helps readers improve their English vocabulary and language skills.
