a deity who

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a deity who" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a god or divine being and their characteristics or actions. Example: "In many cultures, a deity who governs the harvest is revered and celebrated during the autumn festival."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Shashthi, in Hinduism, a deity who is the goddess of vegetation, reproduction, and infant welfare.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hindus tell of a deity who transformed himself into a human society arranged according to a cooperative division of labor.

The New York Times

In some human sacrifices the victim represented a deity who "in the beginning" allowed himself to be killed so that from his body edible vegetation might grow.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Other religions posit a deity who is not physical, neither matter nor energy, but spiritual, existing in a realm that science cannot touch.

The New York Times - Science

Only at the price of inconsistency, she argues, because scientific determinism is not compatible with belief in a deity who can willfully intervene in the world.

The New York Times - Books

But such a service, held under atheist auspices, could not very well attack a deity who is, under the Association's very house rules, nonexistent.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

The Dalai Lama has given him a written endorsement and a statue of Hayagriva, a wrathful deity who, according to early Buddhist texts, yells with a "dreadful voice" and "subdues all demons and all evils".

The New Yorker

"Beelzebub's pup" was an early vernacular name given to it by the explorers of Tasmania, in reference to a religious deity who is a prince of hell and an assistant of Satan; the explorers first encountered the animal by hearing its far-reaching vocalisations at night.

Wikipedia

The verses, about a fan who hopelessly wishes to be a star, a lover who watches someone steal his sweetheart at a dance and a tripartite deity who boards that old mystery train and departs, depict possibility straying beyond one's grasp.

The New York Times - Arts

He was basically a folk deity who worked a Buddhist beat part time, and his grossness was part of his charisma.

The New York Times - Arts

Inari's female aspect is often identified or conflated with Dakiniten, a Buddhist deity who is a Japanese transformation of the Indian dakini, or with Benzaiten of the Seven Lucky Gods.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a deity, ensure that the following relative clause provides essential information that clarifies the deity's specific role, attributes, or actions. For example, use "a deity who governs the harvest" instead of just "a deity".

Common error

Avoid using overly broad descriptions with the phrase "a deity who". Instead, provide specific and meaningful details about the deity's attributes or actions to make the description more informative and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a deity who" functions as a noun phrase followed by a relative clause. The noun phrase introduces a subject that is a divine being, and the relative clause provides additional information or attributes about that deity. This is supported by Ludwig AI's identification of correct and usable English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a deity who" is a grammatically sound and commonly used construct for describing divine beings and their attributes. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. The phrase functions as a noun phrase with a defining relative clause, often appearing in news media, encyclopedias, and academic texts. To enhance clarity, use this phrase to provide specific and meaningful details about a deity's role or characteristics. While interchangeable alternatives like "a god that" and "a divine being who" exist, selecting the most appropriate option depends on the context and desired formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a god that

Replaces 'deity' with the more common term 'god'.

a divine being who

Substitutes 'deity' with 'divine being', offering a slightly more formal tone.

a divine figure who

Employs 'divine figure' as an alternative to 'deity', emphasizing representation.

a sacred entity that

Emphasizes the sacred nature of the deity.

a supernatural entity that

Uses 'supernatural entity' to encompass a broader range of non-material beings.

a supreme being who

Uses "supreme being" as a synonym for "deity", emphasizing dominance.

a spiritual being who

Highlights the non-physical nature of the deity.

a celestial being that

Refers to the deity as a being of the heavens or sky.

a mythological figure who

Frames the deity within the context of mythology and legends.

a higher power that

Replaces deity with a more general and less specific term.

FAQs

How can I use "a deity who" in a sentence?

Use "a deity who" to introduce a relative clause that describes the characteristics, roles, or actions of a specific deity. For example, "a deity who governs the sea" or "a deity who protects travelers."

What are some alternatives to saying "a deity who"?

Alternatives include "a god that", "a divine being who", or "a supernatural entity that". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "a deity that" or "a deity who"?

While "that" can be used for both people and things, "who" is generally preferred when referring to beings with agency, such as deities. Thus, "a deity who" is typically considered more appropriate.

What is the difference between "a deity who" and "a divine being who"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable. "Deity" is a more specific term for a god or goddess, while "divine being" is a broader term that can include any being considered to have divine qualities. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.