a guy that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a guy that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a male person in a descriptive manner, often when providing additional information about him. Example: "He is a guy that always helps others in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

I'm a guy that lives it.

The New York Times - Sports

I know a guy that is homeless".

The New York Times

He's a guy that will be missed".

The Guardian - Sport

I'm a guy that likes other guys".

The New York Times

We need a guy that can play".

The New York Times - Sports

"He's a guy that wins, he's a guy that gives you innings, he's a guy that knows how to pitch on the big stage," Girardi said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm a guy that kind of plays into form.

The New York Times - Sports

He was a guy that was definitely fearless".

The New York Times - Sports

He was a guy that worked on a farm.

The New York Times - Sports

I know a guy that works on the news.

The New Yorker

It's unusual to get a guy that is this athletic.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While grammatically correct, consider using "who" instead of "that" when referring to people in more formal contexts for enhanced clarity and precision.

Common error

While "that" is acceptable in informal speech, overuse can make your writing sound less polished. In formal writing, prefer "who" when referring to people. For example, use "a guy who knows" instead of "a guy that knows" for a more refined tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a guy that" functions as a relative clause, modifying the noun "guy". It introduces additional information or characteristics about the individual being referenced. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a guy that" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI. It functions as a relative clause to describe a male individual. While acceptable in various contexts, it leans towards informality. For formal writing, consider using "a guy who" or other more refined alternatives such as "a man who". The phrase is prevalent in news and media, with a significant presence in Wiki sources as well. Remember to consider the context and desired tone when using "a guy that" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a man who

Replaces "guy" with the more formal "man" and "that" with "who", resulting in a more formal tone.

a man that

Uses "man" instead of "guy", lending a more formal tone, although "that" is less common with "man" than "who".

someone who

Replaces "a guy" with "someone", which is less specific but maintains the same grammatical structure.

a fellow who

Substitutes "guy" with "fellow", which sounds slightly old-fashioned or informal.

a chap who

Replaces "guy" with "chap", which is a British English term.

the kind of guy who

Expands the phrase to emphasize a particular type or category of person.

the sort of guy who

Similar to "the kind of guy who", but emphasizes a specific type or sort of person.

a person that

Replaces "guy" with the gender-neutral "person", making the phrase applicable to anyone.

a bloke who

Substitutes "guy" with "bloke", which is an informal British English term.

an individual who

Uses more formal vocabulary ("individual" instead of "guy" and "who" instead of "that"), increasing the formality of the phrase.

FAQs

Is it always correct to use "a guy that"?

While grammatically acceptable, using "a guy who" is often preferred in more formal contexts. "That" can sound less refined than "who" when referring to people.

When should I use "a guy who" instead of "a guy that"?

In formal writing or speech, using "who" is generally considered more appropriate when referring to people. "That" is more common in informal settings.

What are some alternatives to "a guy that" to sound more professional?

Consider using phrases like "a man who", "an individual who", or "someone who" for a more professional tone.

Is there a difference in meaning between "a guy that" and "a guy who"?

The core meaning remains the same, but the choice between "that" and "who" affects the tone. "Who" is generally perceived as more formal and refined, while "that" is more casual.