What is the function of 'that' in relative clauses of result?

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What is the function of 'that' in relative clauses of result?

In relative clauses of result, the function of 'that' is to introduce the clause and connect it to the main clause. It is used to indicate the consequence or result of the action described in the main clause. 'That' is often used after verbs such as 'so', 'such', 'enough', 'too', 'to be', and 'to make', among others.

For example:

1. The movie was so scary that I couldn't sleep at night.
In this sentence, 'that' introduces the relative clause "I couldn't sleep at night" and shows the result of the movie being scary.

2. She is such a talented singer that she always gets standing ovations.
Here, 'that' connects the relative clause "she always gets standing ovations" to the main clause and indicates the result of her being a talented singer.

3. The book was too heavy for me to carry.
In this sentence, 'that' introduces the relative clause "for me to carry" and expresses the result of the book being too heavy.

In these examples, 'that' is essential for the meaning of the sentence and cannot be omitted. However, in some cases, 'that' can be omitted in informal speech or writing, especially when it is the object of the relative clause.

It is important to note that 'that' is not the only word used to introduce relative clauses of result. Other words such as 'so', 'such', 'enough', and 'too' can also be used to introduce these clauses, depending on the context and the meaning intended.