a system that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a system that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe or define a particular system and its characteristics or functions. Example: "We need to implement a system that improves communication between departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a system that deserves review.

The New York Times

You have a system that works.

The New York Times - Sports

We built a system that is flexible".

The New York Times

It's a system that works.

Harvard University

"That's not a system that works".

The New York Times

We've created a system that is unsustainable.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a system that exploits everyone.

The Washington Post

"What you want is a system that is necessarily honest.

University of California, Berkeley

Research shows how to improve a system that doesn't work.

Stanford University

It wasn't a system that helped you trade.

Yale University

You need a system that helps you organize tasks.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a system that", ensure the 'that' clause clearly defines the purpose or function of the system. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using overly general descriptions after "a system that". Be specific about the system's attributes and how it operates to provide meaningful context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a system that" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a system followed by a relative clause that describes or defines it. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Examples show it used to specify the system's purpose or characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

31%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a system that" serves to introduce and describe a particular system, with a subsequent clause detailing its function or attributes. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. It is frequently used in diverse contexts, from news and media to academia, indicating a high degree of versatility. While grammatically sound, writers should ensure the 'that' clause is specific and avoids vagueness. Alternatives such as ""a framework that"" or ""a process that"" offer nuanced options for expressing similar ideas. Overall, "a system that" is a valuable and frequently used phrase for clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a framework that

Replaces 'system' with 'framework', emphasizing structure and organization.

a process that

Substitutes 'system' with 'process', focusing on a series of actions or steps.

a method that

Replaces 'system' with 'method', highlighting a specific way of doing something.

an approach that

Changes 'system' to 'approach', emphasizing a way of dealing with something.

a mechanism that

Replaces 'system' with 'mechanism', focusing on the working parts of a system.

a structure that

Changes 'system' to 'structure', emphasizing the arrangement and organization of elements.

a model that

Replaces 'system' with 'model', focusing on a simplified representation of a complex reality.

an arrangement that

Substitutes 'system' with 'arrangement', highlighting a planned organization.

a setup that

Replaces 'system' with 'setup', focusing on the way something is organized or arranged.

a configuration that

Changes 'system' to 'configuration', emphasizing a particular arrangement of elements.

FAQs

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

Use "a system that" to introduce and describe a particular system, followed by a clause that specifies its function or characteristics. For example, "We need "a system that" efficiently manages customer data".

What are some alternatives to "a system that"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a framework that", "a process that", or "an approach that", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "a system that" and "a mechanism that"?

"A system that" generally refers to a set of interconnected components working together, while "a mechanism that" typically refers to a specific part or process within a larger system.

Is it better to use "a system that" or "the system which"?

"A system that" is generally more common and natural-sounding in contemporary English. "The system which" is grammatically correct but can sound slightly formal or stilted. In most cases, ""a system that"" is preferable.