Question about the word "that"

Woven · Jan 16, 2009

What, please, is wrong with the bolded portion of this sentence? My grammar checker doesn't like it and apparently I use "that" or "which" rather frequently. Generally I just reword it, but I'd really like to know what's wrong with it.

He could explain that? He could explain that in my delusions I had created voices that either comforted, protected or harmed me and he could explain? What was wrong with him?

Greenify13 · Jan 16, 2009

I believe it's the use of the word 'either', it is not needed and is does not 'fit' proper, discard the word and you should find it to 'happy' with your decision.

Woven · Jan 16, 2009

Greenify13 said:
I believe it's the use of the word 'either', it is not needed and is does not 'fit' proper, discard the word and you should find it to 'happy' with your decision.

Darn, you're right. LOL! Now I need to come back with a better example because it happens all the time.

Thanks for the help on that one, though.

Juliette Wade · Jan 16, 2009

Yes, and I suspect it's because "either" generally implies a choice between options, while the "or" you're using is an inclusive or (could permit further examples) rather than an exclusive or (must choose between the following options).

scarletpeaches · Jan 16, 2009

'Either' indicates a choice between two variables and you listed three.

dpaterso · Jan 16, 2009

scarletpeaches said:
'Either' indicates a choice between two variables and you listed three.

That was my thinking too.

Moving this thread to Grammar for Grasshoppers forum, not because it doesn't fit Basic Writing Questions, but because it might help future grammarites looking for advice on use of "that"

-Derek

Question about the word "that"

Woven

Greenify13

Fair Maiden of War.

Woven

Juliette Wade

Interprets for aliens

scarletpeaches

dpaterso

Patent pending