I can't seem to find an answer just by Googling, but I wondered which one is correct?:

I am sorry Jane was unable to attend school
I am sorry that Jane was unable to attend school

I don't like the way "that" sounds in the above example, but I can't find a grammar lesson which gives an answer, as the only ones I have found are to help with choosing between "that" and "which".

Apologies for my bad grammar in this message. I have a small child moaning in my ear right now and I can't concentrate!!!

Many thanks

Julie

Quite often, you can delete "that" with no loss of meaning. Americans delete it more than Brits - generally. Both versions are correct.

The rule is this: Use the version you think sounds best. If the "that" is required to eliminate some ambiguity or to make the sentence sound better, then use it.

In other words, it's all pretty lenient.

Thank you! I was composing a letter to my child's teacher and realised I wasn't sure if it was right!