In English, you may come across sentences like ‘This is the first time that…’. A common question arises: Can ‘that’ be replaced with ‘when’? In this article, we will clarify the usage of ‘that’ and ‘when’ and explain when it’s appropriate to use each in sentences like this.
1. The Role of ‘That’ in Sentences
The word ‘that’ is a conjunction used to introduce a noun clause, often used to provide more detail about a situation. In the sentence ‘This is the first time that…’, ‘that’ connects the main clause with a subordinate clause, making the sentence grammatically complete and clear. ‘That’ is essential to indicate the specific instance of the action.
2. Can ‘When’ Replace ‘That’?
‘When’ is another conjunction, but it is used to indicate a time or a moment. While both ‘that’ and ‘when’ can introduce clauses, they are used in different contexts. ‘When’ typically refers to a time frame or an event, whereas ‘that’ is used to add detail or specify a particular instance. In the sentence ‘This is the first time when…’, using ‘when’ would imply a time reference, which might not fit the intended meaning of the sentence.
3. Correct Usage of ‘That’ and ‘When’
In this case, ‘This is the first time that…’ is grammatically correct because the clause is describing the first occurrence of something specific, not just a moment in time. If you were to use ‘when’ here, it would make the sentence sound incomplete or awkward because it focuses more on the time aspect, which isn’t the intended meaning.
4. Summary and Conclusion
In conclusion, ‘that’ is the correct choice when expressing specific occurrences or actions, such as in ‘This is the first time that…’. ‘When’ should not replace ‘that’ in this context as it alters the meaning and structure of the sentence. Always use ‘that’ to connect descriptive clauses about specific instances.
コメント