a person that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a person that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to an individual in a descriptive manner, often in contexts where you are defining or explaining characteristics of that person. Example: "She is a person that always helps others in need."

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm not a person that looks backwards.

The Guardian - Business

A person that inspires me is Azure Antoinette.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A person that lost their son, their only son".

The New Yorker

I see a person that has been through a lot.

Independent

"But I'm a person that believes in timing".

The New York Times - Sports

I'm a person that very strongly believes in academics.

The New Yorker

"It's my confidence as a person that is the reason".

The Guardian - Sport

"I'm a person that has to keep moving," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

"However I feel about a person, that doesn't matter.

The New York Times - Sports

I don't think Tina's a person that hesitated.

The New Yorker

I'm very much a person that is in the now.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "a person that" is commonly used, especially in spoken English, consider using the more grammatically formal and widely accepted "a person who" in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a person that" excessively in formal writing. Vary your sentence structure and opt for "a person who" or rephrase the sentence to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a person that" functions as a relative clause, specifically a restrictive relative clause, that modifies the noun "person". It introduces additional information that defines or restricts the meaning of the noun, distinguishing it from other members of its class. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a person that" is a commonly used phrase functioning as a relative clause to describe an individual based on specific attributes. Ludwig AI indicates that while grammatically acceptable, it's generally considered less formal than "a person who". Therefore, while suitable for informal contexts, "a person who" is preferred in formal writing and academic settings. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Wiki sources. Remember to consider the context and audience when choosing between "a person that" and its more formal alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an individual who

This alternative is more formal and often preferred in academic or professional writing.

someone who

This is a common and slightly more informal alternative, suitable for general use.

a person who

This is the grammatically standard and widely accepted alternative.

one who

This is a formal and somewhat archaic alternative, suitable for literary or ceremonial contexts.

an individual that

This is similar to "a person that" but uses "individual" instead of "person".

the kind of person who

This alternative emphasizes the type or category of person being described.

a type of person that

Similar to the previous one, this option focuses on classifying the person.

someone that

This is a more colloquial alternative that, while grammatically debated, is frequently used in spoken English.

those who

This phrase can be used to refer to multiple people sharing a characteristic.

people who

This is the plural form of "a person who" and is used to describe a group of individuals.

FAQs

Is "a person that" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, especially in spoken English, "a person that" is often considered less formal than "a person who". In formal writing, it's generally recommended to use "a person who".

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

Use "a person who" in formal writing, academic papers, or professional communications. "A person that" is more acceptable in informal conversations or casual writing.

What are some alternatives to "a person that"?

Besides "a person who", you can use phrases like "an individual who", "someone who", or "one who" depending on the context and level of formality.

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

No, there is no significant difference in meaning. However, "a person who" is generally preferred in formal writing due to its adherence to standard grammatical conventions.