a subject that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a subject that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a topic or theme that will be discussed or elaborated upon in a sentence or paragraph. Example: "The research paper focuses on a subject that has gained significant attention in recent years: climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a subject that consumes me.

The New York Times

It's a subject that endlessly obsesses us".

Independent

Yes, it's a subject that generates heat.

The Guardian - Opinion

It remains a subject that inspires rancor.

The New Yorker

That is a subject that is open to discussion".

The New York Times

Now there's a subject that doesn't sell itself.

The New York Times - Books

It is a subject that is completely over-subscribed".

The Guardian

It's a subject that can't be broached without giving offense.

The New York Times - Books

It's a subject that still interests me a great deal.

The New Yorker

English identity is still a subject that makes people nervous.

The Guardian

"It was a subject that was so monstrous.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a subject that", ensure the following verb agrees in number with the subject. For example, "a subject that interests me" (singular) vs. "subjects that interest me" (plural).

Common error

Avoid mismatching the verb tense or number after "a subject that". For instance, don't say "a subject that are interesting"; it should be "a subject that is interesting".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a subject that" functions as a relative clause introducer. It connects a noun phrase ("a subject") to a relative clause that modifies or provides more information about that subject. Ludwig's examples showcase its wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

33%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a subject that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a topic followed by a relative clause. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, especially in news, media, and scientific publications. While alternatives such as "a topic that" or "an issue that" exist, the choice depends on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey. Remember to ensure subject-verb agreement when using this phrase to maintain grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a topic which

Replaces "that" with "which", offering a slightly more formal tone.

an area that

Substitutes "subject" with "area", shifting the focus to a broader field of study or interest.

a theme which

Replaces "subject" with "theme", emphasizing a recurring idea or motif.

a matter that

Uses "matter" instead of "subject", implying a specific issue or concern.

an issue that

Replaces "subject" with "issue", highlighting a problem or point of contention.

a point that

Substitutes "subject" with "point", focusing on a specific detail or argument.

a question that

Replaces "subject" with "question", framing the topic as an inquiry or debate.

something that

Uses "something" to generalize the subject, suitable when the topic is less defined.

a concept that

Replaces "subject" with "concept", suitable for abstract or theoretical topics.

a field that

Substitutes "subject" with "field", highlighting a specific discipline or branch of knowledge.

FAQs

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

Use "a subject that" to introduce a topic or theme followed by a relative clause that provides more information. For example, "This is "a subject that" requires careful consideration".

What are some alternatives to "a subject that"?

You can use alternatives such as "a topic that", "an area that", or "a matter that" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "which" or "that" after "a subject"?

While both "that" and "which" can be used, "that" is generally preferred for restrictive clauses (essential to the sentence's meaning), while "which" is used for non-restrictive clauses (adding extra information). For instance, "A subject that interests me is history" versus "History, "a subject which" many find fascinating, is quite complex".

What's the difference between "a subject that" and "a subject of"?

"A subject that" introduces a relative clause describing the subject. "A subject of" indicates the category or area to which the subject belongs. For example, "a subject that interests me" (a topic I find interesting) versus "a subject of debate" (an issue being debated).