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Is it ever correct to use the word that (or any other word) three consecutive times? For example,

By reading Nietzsche I learned that that that does not kill me makes me stronger.

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closed as not constructive by J.R., Zairja, tchrist, Rory Alsop, JSBձոգչ Nov 16 '12 at 1:47


That "that that that" that that sentence has seems grammatically correct, albeit a bit confusing. –  J.R. Nov 16 '12 at 0:37
Let's not forget that that other "that that" question that is a near duplicate of this question gave us this gem: Don't forget that that "that" that appears before the other "that" does a different job. –  Zairja Nov 16 '12 at 0:52
Lots of words can be used three consecutive times (or more). See buffalo. I voted to close as "Not Constructive". And for completeness. –  Zairja Nov 16 '12 at 0:53
Then there's this question, which asked about vice, vice vice. –  J.R. Nov 20 '12 at 15:36

2 Answers 2

Your example sentence is correct, but I would rewrite it to avoid difficulty in reading and parsing. For example,

By reading Nietzsche, I learned that what does not kill me makes me stronger.

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Well put. Just because something is technically correct doesn't mean its a good idea. –  T.E.D. Nov 16 '12 at 0:36

Plus one for Will's answer, well put. It is technically correct to use a single word many times, but can be extremely difficult to understand. The canonical example of this, I submit for your consideration, and amusement:


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