A break is <that><what> I really need

[Nquirer]

Which is the correct sentence? A.) 'I think a break is THAT I really need. or B.) 'I think a break is WHAT I really need.'

 

[JordyBro]

B is the correct answer, while A is not correct at all. Humourously, to make A grammatically correct, you have to add another "that" (literary grammar).

 

[Nquirer]

Thank you very much.

 

[Nquirer]

Dear JordyBro,

Do you mean that the sentence 'I think a break is that that I really need.' is correct?

 

[JordyBro]

For you? No. In literary grammar, that can handle that clauses (eg: "I don't have that that I need"). This is only for literary purposes.

 

[Nquirer]

Thank you - it is clear now.

 

[velisarius]

For you? No. In literary grammar, that can handle that clauses (eg: "I don't have that that I need"). This is only for literary purposes.

I don't think I've ever seen "I don't have that that I need" anywhere at all. Can you tell us where you've seen it used for literary purposes, Jordy?

"That which I need" on the other hand ould be found in an old-fashioned / poetic context. It wouldn't fit in the OP sentence though.

 

[perpend]

The "that, that" is fine by me. It's correct. People just don't say it very often.

 

[velisarius]

That, that is thy opinion is thine and that which is my opinion is mine then, perpend.

 

[Nquirer]

Thank you all for your help.