a nation that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a nation that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing characteristics, actions, or beliefs of a specific nation. Example: "A nation that values education will invest in its schools and teachers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And the world should boycott a nation that didn't learn.

Independent

One must fear a nation that knows no fear.

The Economist

It shows a nation that is liberal and not afraid".

The New York Times

The other is a nation that spans the planet.

The Economist

A nation that does not account for its grave crimes is a nation that has lost its moral compass.

The New York Times

Libya was a nation that had -- we viewed as a terrorist -- a nation that sponsored terror, a nation that was dangerous because of weapons.

The New York Times

Or are we now a nation that feels safer indoors?

The Guardian

Why die for a nation that doesn't want you?

The New Yorker

Falstaff pretty rowdy for a nation that has prohibition.

The New Yorker

A nation that could never win an important tournament?

The New York Times - Sports

A nation that treats you like a slave!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to focus on its people or culture, consider replacing "a nation that" with phrases like "a community that" or "a culture that".

Common error

Avoid attributing traits to an entire nation based on limited observations. Instead, qualify your statements with phrases like "many within the nation" or "a significant portion of the nation" to reflect the diversity within any population.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a nation that" functions as a relative clause, modifying the noun "nation." It introduces additional information about the nation by specifying a particular attribute or characteristic. Ludwig AI examples show a wide variety of attributes that can follow this structure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a nation that" is a versatile phrase used to describe or define a nation based on its qualities or actions. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and very common. It functions as a relative clause, adding descriptive details and is suitable for a wide array of contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal communications. When using this phrase, it's important to avoid overgeneralizations and ensure your statements are supported by credible evidence. Alternatives include "a country that", "a state that", and "a people that", which offer subtle differences in emphasis and connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a country that

Replaces "nation" with "country", a synonym with slightly different connotations; "country" often refers to geographical boundaries, while "nation" can emphasize shared identity.

a state that

Substitutes "nation" with "state", which usually implies a political entity with a defined government.

a people that

Replaces the political term "nation" with "people", focusing on the inhabitants and their collective attributes.

a land that

Emphasizes the geographical aspect of the nation, portraying its physical attributes.

a society that

Shifts the focus to the social structure and cultural aspects of the nation.

a culture that

Highlights the shared cultural values and practices of the nation.

a community that

Focuses on the sense of belonging and mutual support among the people within the nation.

a realm that

Uses a more formal and somewhat archaic term for a nation, suggesting a kingdom or empire.

an entity that

Replaces "nation" with a more abstract term, suitable when the focus is on the nation as an actor or agent.

a power that

Highlights the nation's influence and capacity to act on the world stage.

FAQs

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

Use "a nation that" to describe a country based on its defining characteristics or actions. For example, "A nation that values education invests heavily in its schools".

What are some alternatives to using "a nation that"?

You can use alternatives such as "a country that", "a state that", or "a people that" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "a nation that" when referring to a country?

While grammatically correct, consider the context. If you're emphasizing the geographical aspect, "a country that" might be more fitting. If highlighting shared values, "a community that" could be better.

What's the difference between "a nation that" and "the nation that"?

"A nation that" refers to a general category or example. "The nation that" specifies a particular nation already identified in the context. For example, "A nation that values freedom is likely to protect free speech" (general), versus "The nation that hosted the Olympics last year saw a boost in tourism" (specific).