a guy that is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a guy that is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific type of person or to provide additional information about someone. Example: "He is a guy that is always willing to help others in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

I know a guy that is homeless".

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

"He's a guy that is insurable," Epstein said.

The New York Times

This is a guy that is a true No. 1.

The New York Times - Sports

Then you've got to worry about a guy that is on your team?

The New York Times

He's a guy that is very, very good in meetings for me.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

You can't have a guy that's 38-1 fighting a guy that's 3-67.

The New York Times - Sports

"Here is a guy that's 6-4.

The New York Times - Sports

He's a guy that's done more than me.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was a guy that was definitely fearless".

The New York Times - Sports

He's a guy that's also still developing".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a guy that is", ensure the context is appropriate for informal language. In formal settings, consider using "a man who is" or "an individual who is".

Common error

While grammatically correct, repeatedly using "that" in formal writing can sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using relative pronouns like "who" or rephrasing the sentence entirely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a guy that is" functions as a relative clause, modifying the noun "guy" by providing additional information or description. Ludwig AI shows the phrase in various descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

20%

Huffington Post

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a guy that is" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase for describing an individual, suitable for informal and neutral contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its primary function is to modify the noun "guy" with additional information. While widely accepted, it's important to consider the formality of your writing and choose more formal alternatives like "a man who is" in academic or professional settings. Be mindful of overusing the phrase and explore diverse sentence structures to maintain engaging and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a man who is

Replaces "guy" with the more formal "man" and uses "who" instead of "that".

a man that's

Uses the contraction "that's" instead of "that is", creating a more informal tone while replacing "guy" with "man".

a person that is

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

a fellow who is

Substitutes "guy" with "fellow", offering a slightly more old-fashioned tone.

a chap who is

Uses the British term "chap" instead of "guy", altering the cultural context.

a bloke who is

Similar to "chap", "bloke" is another British term for "guy".

someone who is

Replaces "guy" with the more general term "someone", broadening the scope beyond just men.

a character who is

Replaces "guy" with "character", which could be used when describing someone's personality or role.

an individual who is

Offers a more formal and impersonal alternative using "individual" instead of "guy".

an individual that is

Combines the formality of "individual" with the connector "that".

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "a guy that is"?

The phrase "a guy that is" is suitable for informal conversations and writing. For more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "a man who is" or "an individual who is".

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

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "a guy who is" is generally considered more formal. In very informal contexts, "a guy that's" might also be used.

Are there gender-neutral alternatives to "a guy that is"?

Yes, you can use gender-neutral alternatives like "a person that is" or "someone who is" to avoid specifying gender.

How can I avoid overuse of phrases like "a guy that is" in my writing?

To avoid repetition, try rephrasing your sentences. Instead of "He's a guy that is always willing to help", you could say "He's always willing to help" or "He's a helpful person".