a civilization that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a civilization that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe characteristics, qualities, or actions of a specific civilization in a broader context. Example: "A civilization that values education and innovation is likely to thrive in the modern world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But there it is, in a civilization that has gone numb to qualities of the handmade.

The New Yorker

This, more than anything else, signals their defiance towards a civilization that seeks to annihilate them.

The Guardian - Books

What retarded a civilization that was once far ahead of the West?

The New York Times

Theirs was a civilization that contained both cruelty and justice, excess and refinement.

The New York Times - Travel

Rival nations are also trying to build a civilization that can stand the test of time.

The New York Times - Arts

Here are the fallen trees, he says; evidence of a civilization that has little regard for the environment.

The New York Times

"I almost feel like an archaeologist, examining the remnants of a civilization that happens to still exist".

The New York Times - Science

"One test is finding remnants of a civilization that was affected and looking for evidence to support the flood theory.

The New York Times

A civilization that believes itself capable of making do without other civilizations tends to be headed toward its doom.

The New York Times

FREDRIK T. HIEBERT, an archaeologist, on a civilization that thrived in Central Asia more than 4,000 years ago.

The New York Times

Paulina represents authority as a natural force — benevolent and wise — not manufactured by a civilization that arbitrarily invests power in a crown.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a civilization that", ensure the relative clause clearly defines a key characteristic or action of that civilization.

Common error

Be specific about which civilization you're referring to. Instead of saying "a civilization that lost its way", specify which one, or clarify the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a civilization that" functions as a relative clause, modifying the noun 'civilization'. It introduces additional information or characteristics about the civilization being discussed. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in describing attributes or actions of civilizations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

11%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a civilization that" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a relative clause describing a civilization's attributes or actions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide usage. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science contexts, maintaining a neutral register. When employing this phrase, ensure that the following relative clause provides specific and relevant details about the civilization in question. Alternative phrases include "a society that" or "a culture that", depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a society that

Replaces 'civilization' with 'society', focusing on the social structure rather than cultural advancement.

a culture that

Substitutes 'civilization' with 'culture', emphasizing shared beliefs and practices.

an empire that

Replaces 'civilization' with 'empire', highlighting the political and territorial aspects.

a nation that

Uses 'nation' instead of 'civilization', focusing on shared identity and governance.

a people who

Shifts the focus from the civilization to the people constituting it.

a community that

Emphasizes the communal aspect, using 'community' in place of 'civilization'.

a group that

Broadens the term to include any group with shared characteristics.

a world where

Expresses a hypothetical world with certain characteristics, less specific than a civilization.

a system that

Focuses on the systemic nature, using 'system' instead of 'civilization'.

a state that

Emphasizes the political organization, using 'state' in place of 'civilization'.

FAQs

How can I use "a civilization that" in a sentence?

Use "a civilization that" to introduce a defining characteristic or attribute of a particular civilization. For instance, "a civilization that values education often sees advancements in science and technology".

What are some alternatives to "a civilization that"?

Alternatives include "a society that", "a culture that", or "a nation that", depending on whether you want to emphasize social structures, cultural aspects, or national identity.

Which is more appropriate: "a civilization that" or "a civilization which"?

"A civilization that" is generally preferred over "a civilization which" in modern English. "That" is typically used for restrictive clauses that are essential to the meaning of the sentence.

What's the difference between "a civilization that" and "a civilization who"?

"That" should be used when referring to a civilization as a whole, while "who" is used to refer to people. Therefore, "a civilization that" is correct. For example, "a civilization that prioritized art left behind many beautiful artifacts".