Usage of "that"

Question

Hello everyone,Could you explain why the underlined "that" is needed in the sentence below?there always seems to be that one moment — the Wall Street crash of 1929, the fall of the Thai baht in 1997 — when long-simmering trends coalesce to cause a dramatic loss of confidence. Thanks in advance,

Ferdis · Accepted Answer

It adds emphasis; it is not needed.

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you, ferdis!

Anonymous · Answer

Many books would classify "that" in your sentence as a demonstrative adjective.  It points out which "one moment" out of many moments. The 1929 Crash was THAT one particular moment that brought everything to a head.

CalifJim · Answer

While it is not needed for grammatical reasons, that (often as a substitute for the) is used as a stylistic device to draw the reader into the discussion, to make him complicit in the action. It is as if the author is saying, almost with a knowing wink, "You know, reader, what sort of moment I'm talking about. You are familiar with that sort of thing. You know -- It's that moment." This use of that is usually followed by a relative clause.

Compare:

You know that feeling you get when you can't find something important you're sure you had placed in a certain drawer? That panicky feeling? (that instead of the)

The heroine was overcome by that sense of helplessness that comes in such situations. (that instead of the)

When his novel was finally published, George felt that exhiliration of success that can last a lifetime. (that instead of the.)

CJ

Usage of "that"

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