a situation that

USAGE SUMMARY

"a situation that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a scenario or introducing a hypothetical example. For example: "The townspeople had to face a situation that they had never encountered before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And it's a situation that is obesogenic.

Cornell University

This is a situation that cannot endure.

Harvard Business Review

It's a situation that makes Abraham uneasy.

The Guardian - Tech

It's a situation that comes with age".

The New Yorker

"It's a situation that happened last year.

The New York Times

It's a situation that is slavery-like".

The Guardian

It is a situation that repeats itself.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a situation that could have been avoided.

Independent

This is a situation that cannot go on".

The New York Times

It is a situation that is unprecedented in recent history.

Independent

"There is still a situation that could be easily reversed".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a situation that", ensure the clause following 'that' clearly and specifically describes or defines the situation you are referring to. This maintains clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using overly general descriptions after "a situation that". For example, instead of "a situation that is bad", be specific: "a situation that poses significant financial risks".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a situation that" functions as a noun phrase introducing a relative clause. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to specify or elaborate on a particular set of circumstances. The relative clause provides additional information about the situation being discussed, enhancing clarity and detail.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

12%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a situation that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a descriptive clause about a specific set of circumstances. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct and very common across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and business writing. It's crucial to ensure that the description following "that" is clear and specific to avoid vagueness. While suitable for most writing styles, consider alternatives like "a circumstance where" or "a case in which" for potentially greater formality. The frequency analysis indicates its widespread use, making it a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a circumstance where

Focuses on the specific conditions or facts affecting an event or action.

a case in which

Highlights a specific instance or example of something occurring.

a scenario where

Emphasizes a hypothetical or projected sequence of events.

a condition under which

Stresses the prerequisites or terms necessary for something to happen.

a position in which

Highlights someone's place or state related to an event.

a predicament that

Emphasizes a difficult or unpleasant situation.

a state where

Focuses on the existing conditions or circumstances.

a context in which

Stresses the surrounding factors and conditions that influence an event.

an event where

Emphasizes the happening or occurrence itself.

a development where

Highlights the unfolding or progression of events.

FAQs

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

Use "a situation that" to introduce a description or characteristic of a specific circumstance. For instance, "We found ourselves in "a situation that" demanded immediate action".

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

Depending on the context, consider using phrases like "a circumstance where", "a case in which", or "a scenario where" to convey similar meanings. For example, you could say "a circumstance where quick thinking was crucial".

Is it better to use "a situation that" or "a situation in which"?

Both "a situation that" and "a situation in which" are grammatically correct, but "a situation that" is often more concise and natural. "A situation in which" may be preferred in more formal writing but are generally interchangeable.

How does the formality of writing affect the appropriateness of using "a situation that"?

While "a situation that" is suitable for most contexts, more formal writing may benefit from alternatives like "a condition under which" or rephrasing to avoid the "that" clause altogether. However, "a situation that" remains acceptable in neutral and even professional contexts.