Most Common English Words (no. 8)
The longest word on the top ten of the most common English words is “that“, which can be used as a determiner, a conjunction, or a pronoun. A determiner is a word used before a noun to show who or what is being talked about. “The” and “a” are also determiners.
As a determiner, “that” is used to talk about a person, thing, etc. that is not with the speaker.
- Is that the new teacher?
- That bag is expensive.
As a conjunction, it can be used to add a phrase or clause that gives more information.
- She said that she would be late. (Removing “that” is also fine.)
- It was so bright that I needed to use my sunglasses.
As a pronoun, “that” is used to express a reaction to something.
- I didn’t you were fired. That’s terrible.
- First, you have to add eggs and then add the flour. That’s right.
The next word is a verb and it is also a four-letter word like “that“. You can use it to talk about ownership. Can you guess what it is?