Dear N:

You wrote:

> In my workplace we are currently creating a template of a common fax sent by
> all members of our department. We have a question on the use of the word
> “that.” Below are the two options we are considering but we are not certain
> which one is more grammatically correct.
>
> “Please confirm that our code will be printed on each label.”
>
> OR
>
> “Please confirm our code will be printed on each label.”
>
> Your advice regarding which sentence is correct would be appreciated.
>
Both sentences are grammatically correct. However, when writing, the first is preferred because it is less likely to be misinterpreted. The presence of the “that” indicates a subordinate clause, while dropping that might appear
ambiguous to some readers who are trying to read the first part of the sentence as “please confirm our code” or “please confirm our code will.”