a client that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a client that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific client in a context where you want to provide additional information about them. Example: "We have a client that requires specialized services for their unique business needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And banks may be reluctant to drop a client that has not yet been proved guilty.

The New York Times

Did selling Kroll to a client that was under investigation harm the Kroll brand?

The New Yorker

A bad client is a client that doesn't understand the role of the designer.

The New York Times

ODD REQUEST: I had a client that requested not to be addressed verbally.

The New York Times

He cited a successful campaign that helped a client that was selling home flood remediation services to major insurance companies.

The New York Times

Ms. Tracy said, "There isn't a client that doesn't love being part of this magazine through edit".

The New York Times

"For instance, imagine you are a graduate sitting in a taxi with a client that you haven't met with before.

The Guardian

"Not knowingly doing a bad job, but knowingly accepting an accounting practice of a client that was questionable at best".

The New York Times

Despite the treadmill, she rediscovered the joy of work while helping a client that was trying to reach women.

The New York Times

"I once had to tell a client that wearing a cocktail dress to a 1-year-old's birthday party is a big no-no," he says.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

My proudest moment really was getting paid for the first time by a client - that first cheque that you receive from a client with your company name on.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a client that", ensure the relative clause provides essential information that clarifies which client you are referring to. Avoid using it for non-essential details, where "a client who" or a simple appositive phrase would be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "that" when referring to people if the meaning is not restrictive. While grammatically acceptable in some cases, using "who" is generally preferred when referring to clients as individuals, particularly when providing non-restrictive, extra information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a client that" functions as a relative clause, specifically a restrictive relative clause, which provides essential information to identify a particular client. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts, specifying attributes or conditions of the client being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

17%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a client that" is a common and grammatically correct construction used to introduce a restrictive relative clause that provides essential information about a client. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. While "that" is acceptable, "who" might be preferred when referring to clients as individuals. When writing, ensure the relative clause clarifies the client being discussed, and consider if "who" might be a more appropriate choice. Alternative phrases include ""a customer who"" and ""a client who is"".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a customer who

Replaces "client" with "customer" and uses "who" instead of "that" as a relative pronoun.

a client who is

Adds "is" for clarity, emphasizing a present state or condition of the client.

a client with

Uses "with" to indicate a characteristic or association the client possesses.

a client having

Uses "having" to describe a client possessing a particular attribute or experience.

a specific client that

Adds "specific" to highlight a particular client being referenced.

a particular client who

Emphasizes a certain client with "particular" and uses "who".

a client characterized by

Formal phrasing to describe a client with specific traits.

a client known for

Highlights a client's reputation or a specific quality they are recognized for.

a client displaying

Uses "displaying" to show a client exhibiting a certain behavior or characteristic.

a client demonstrating

Uses "demonstrating" to illustrate a client showing evidence of a quality or action.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "a client that" instead of "a client who"?

Use "a client that" when the clause is restrictive, meaning it's essential to identify which client you're talking about. If the clause simply adds extra information, "a client who" is generally preferred.

What are some alternatives to "a client that"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a customer who", "a client with", or "a client who is".

Is "a client that" considered formal or informal?

The phrase "a client that" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, "a client who" may be preferred when referring to individuals.

How can I rephrase "a client that" to sound more professional?

To sound more professional, consider using phrases like "a specific client that" or "a particular client who". These options add emphasis and clarity.