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Is it correct to use a double “that” in a sentence? For example, I saw the following sentence in a book, and wondered whether it is correct:

If I do nothing else in Wallace, I want to teach my girls that that they can accomplish anything boys can do if they work hard and dedicate themselves to achieving goals.

tchrist
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Jon Johnson
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  • Related and probably duplicate of http://english.stackexchange.com/q/3418 http://english.stackexchange.com/q/2459 http://english.stackexchange.com/q/8743 http://english.stackexchange.com/q/69218 http://english.stackexchange.com/q/21381 http://english.stackexchange.com/q/77895 http://english.stackexchange.com/q/74236 http://english.stackexchange.com/q/108402 http://english.stackexchange.com/q/26028 http://english.stackexchange.com/q/37827 – tchrist Aug 03 '13 at 02:33
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    Although there are circumstances in which that that is an appropriate construction (as discussed in the duplicates nominated), in the sentence you quote it is NOT. – Fortiter Aug 03 '13 at 02:53
  • By now the question has gained the status of GR. – Kris Aug 03 '13 at 07:09

1 Answers1

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This is just an erroneous word duplication. There is nothing wrong with the "that that" construction, it's just not appropriate here.

For example, you could say:

Girls can accomplish anything boys can if they work hard and dedicate themselves to achieving goals. If I do nothing else in Wallace, I want to teach my girls that that is the truth.

David Schwartz
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  • Before attempting to answer, it is better to check if a question has been dealt with in earlier posts. – Kris Aug 03 '13 at 07:08