By Ellen Jovin

Investigate any number of grammar arguments going on this very second around the Upper West Side and you may find the word “that” at the heart of them. Where “that” goes, furor often follows.

People argue over whether a “that” should be a “who.” Or whether it can be a “which.” Or whether multiple consecutive “that”s are acceptable. Or sometimes whether a “that” should be there at all. “That” is picked on, and it isn’t fair. It deserves better.

Before we address these various grammar kerfuffles, let’s take a moment to admire the impressive ambition and versatility of “that”:

demonstrative pronoun: That is a pointless edit.

demonstrative adjective: That comma omission is unacceptable.

conjunction: I feel that your capitalization is out of control.

relative pronoun:

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