Here is the that-less
equivalent of your question, except for when it is quoted,
I've recently become aware of the frequency where my use of the word "that" has been way too much, especially in academic writing. I've noted particular cases where I use "that" almost exclusively after words like "implies" (Within my encounters, such situations usually require the usage of "that").
I guess my having a problem with this word is apparent by now. Unlike standard single-word-requests having a particular description which the word needs to satisfy, I'm just looking for a word which would function like "that" (or a combination of words which could be used to replace "that"). Having expressed my requirements, did I give anyone cancer?
Alternatively, in clearer language ...
I've recently become aware of the extreme frequency with which I use the word "that", especially in academic writing. I've noted the peculiarity where I use "that" almost exclusively after words like "implies" (As far as I am aware, such phrases usually require the use of "that").
I guess I do have a problem with this word. Unlike standard single-word-requests specifying a particular description which the word needs to satisfy, I'm simply looking for a word which would function like "that" (or a combination of words which could be used to replace "that"). Having expressed my requirements, have I given anyone cancer yet?
Explanation
That could have these uses
- pronoun
- adjective/adverb
- conjunction
Pronoun abuse
In US English (as well as in pidgin, creole and certain British vernacular styles), there seems to be an annoying replacing of which/who with that. There, you already have the simplest case solved.
Use
I met the girl who robbed me at the coffee shop.
This is the house which I wish to purchase.
He is the man whom I wish to marry.
not
I met the girl that robbed me at the coffee shop.
This is the house that I wish to purchase.
He is the man that I wish to marry.
Adjectival/adverbial use
You could rephrase
The car insurance was that expensive ...
as
The car insurance was of such expense ...
However, I don't think you should avoid adjectival/adverbial use of that.
Conjunctive use
Insurance for the car was of such expense that I had decided not to buy the car.
vs
Insurance for the car was of such expense, due to which I had decided not to buy the car.
vs
Insurance for the car was of very expensive and therefore, I had decided not to buy the car.
vs
Due to the expensiveness of its insurance, I had decided not to buy the car.