a runner that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a runner that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a specific type of runner or providing additional information about a runner in a sentence. Example: "She is a runner that consistently finishes marathons in under three hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

For a runner, that is pure gold.

The New York Times

I had a runner that day – if I recall correctly, it was Golden Ridge – and all my friends gathered around.

The Guardian - Opinion

The score stayed there after Ty Shine missed a runner that went out of bounds with 20.2 seconds to go.

The New York Times - Sports

On that play, Houston found light and tossed up a runner that fell in with eight-tenths of a second left.

The New York Times - Sports

Marbury lofted a runner that spun teasingly around the rim before dropping into the basket, giving the Nets a 91-87 lead.

The New York Times - Sports

Like when guard Travis Releford ventured into Davis's territory, and Davis took one step toward him and Releford shot a runner that went up, up and away, somewhere toward the roof.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

She put down a narrow runner that had been a rectangular Moroccan rug before she had scissors taken to it.

The New York Times

If an error is made on the attempt to put out a preceding runner, that has no impact on this decision.

Wikipedia

The researchers also discovered that the rodentlike animal had mobile and flexible anklebones, suggesting that it was a fast runner that primarily lived on the ground.

The New York Times - Science

It's a side-scrolling runner that adds a few basic flourishes.

TechCrunch

He is a very gifted runner that is flying under the radar now, but has a chance to be an NFL star.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a runner, consider using more descriptive adjectives before "runner" to add detail and specificity, such as "a skilled runner that..." or "a dedicated runner that...". This makes your writing more engaging and informative.

Common error

While "that" is acceptable in restrictive clauses, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using "who" when referring to people (e.g., "a runner who") for a more varied and natural tone. However, "that" can also refer to animals, objects and collectives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a runner that" functions as a noun phrase followed by a relative clause. It identifies a specific runner based on the description provided in the relative clause. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a runner that" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to introduce a relative clause that provides essential information about a runner. While "who" is generally preferred when referring to people in more formal writing, "that" is perfectly acceptable and commonly used. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is versatile and can be used in various contexts, but consider using more descriptive adjectives to enrich your writing. Be mindful of overuse of the word "that", so your language doesn't become too repetitive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a racer who

Emphasizes competitive running.

a fast runner who

Highlights the runner's speed.

an athlete that runs

Highlights the athletic aspect of running.

a competitor who runs

Focuses on participation in running competitions.

a swift runner who

Emphasizes the runner's swiftness.

a skilled runner who

Highlights the runner's skill.

an individual who runs

Offers a more general description of someone who runs.

a jogger who

Specifies a runner who jogs.

someone that sprints

Highlights sprinting ability

a marathoner that

Specifies a runner who specializes in marathons.

FAQs

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

Use "a runner that" to introduce a relative clause that provides essential information about a runner. For example, "He is "a runner that" consistently wins races."

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

While both "a runner who" and "a runner that" are grammatically correct, "who" is generally preferred when referring to people. "That" is also correct but is often used when the focus is less on the person and more on a defining characteristic or attribute.

What can I say instead of ""a runner that""?

You can use alternatives like "a runner who", "an athlete who runs", or "a competitor that runs", depending on the context and the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is ""a runner that"" formal or informal?

"A runner that" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but "a runner who" might be preferred in more formal writing when referring to a person.