a leader that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a leader that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the qualities or characteristics of a leader in a specific context. Example: "A leader that inspires their team can significantly improve overall morale and productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We want a leader that respects us".

Independent

We need a leader that will fix things and have a proven record".

The New Yorker

A new leader can therefore take that forward and a leader that really believes in Brexit.

The Guardian

"We need a leader that can bring the two communities together," she says.

The Guardian

She is a manager of the status quo rather than a leader that seeks political change.

The Guardian - Opinion

He added, "They want to have a leader that will actually get America working again, and I will".

The New York Times

In fact, it is often these most authentic parts of a leader that need the most management.

Harvard Business Review

"And then we've got to go and make sure that we actually see a leader that will protect his people.

The Washington Post

It's a built in mechanism for her as a leader that started when she was a young girl.

Harvard Business Review

And always try to be a leader that comes up with the creative answers to the hard problems.

The New York Times

Billy was a leader, that is the first thing that comes to mind.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a leader that", ensure the relative clause clearly defines a key characteristic or quality essential for the specific context you're describing.

Common error

Avoid stacking multiple relative clauses with "that" as it can make your writing convoluted. Consider rephrasing to break down the sentence or using "who" when referring to people: instead of "a leader that inspires that many", use "a leader who inspires many".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a leader that" functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it defines or specifies a leader based on a particular quality or action. Examples in Ludwig show it used to describe desired traits in leaders.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a leader that" is grammatically correct and frequently used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to define or characterize a leader based on particular attributes or actions. While "a leader who" is a common alternative, "a leader that" is particularly useful for emphasizing specific qualities. The phrase sees prevalent use in news and media, as well as in scientific and business contexts. Remember to ensure that the relative clause is clear and specific to maintain clarity in your writing. Consider alternatives like ""an effective leader"" or "a leader with" for added nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a leader who

Replaces "that" with "who", focusing on the person rather than a defining characteristic.

a leader with

Uses "with" to introduce specific qualities or attributes of a leader.

an effective leader

Highlights the leader's ability to achieve results, focusing on competence.

a capable leader

Emphasizes the leader's skills and qualifications.

a visionary leader

Focuses on the leader's ability to inspire and set a clear direction.

a leader known for

Highlights the leader's reputation or distinguishing traits.

a transformational leader

Highlights a leader who drives significant change and innovation.

a leader characterized by

Focuses on the defining characteristics of the leader's style or approach.

a servant leader

Emphasizes the leader's focus on serving the needs of their team or community.

a leader demonstrating

Highlights the leader's actions and how they exemplify leadership.

FAQs

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

Use "a leader that" to specify a particular quality or action that defines the leader. For example, "We need "a leader that can unite" the country".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "a leader that"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a leader who", "an effective leader", or "a capable leader", depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to use "that" to refer to a person in the phrase "a leader that"?

Yes, while "who" is often preferred when referring to people, "that" is also grammatically acceptable, especially when the clause is restrictive and defines a necessary quality. "A leader who" might sound more natural, but both are typically correct.

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

Use "a leader who" when you want to emphasize the person's identity rather than a specific characteristic. Use "a leader that" when you want to highlight a particular quality or action. For example, "a leader who cares" focuses on the leader's empathy, while "a leader that delivers results" emphasizes their effectiveness.