an environment that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an environment that" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to introduce a description or explanation of a specific environment or setting. Example: The tropical rainforest is an environment that is incredibly biodiverse, with thousands of species of plants and animals coexisting in a delicate balance.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's an environment that should hurt renewables.

The Guardian

"We have an environment that is corrupt.

The Guardian

They create an environment that undermines focus.

Harvard Business Review

"It's having an environment that supports teamwork.

Stanford University

"You have an environment that is unfamiliar to them.

The New York Times

But it's an environment that is always changing.

The New York Times

It's an environment that spans all social networks.

The Guardian - Business

She especially disliked working in an environment that fetishized beauty.

The New Yorker

"They're learning in an environment that replicates real life".

The New York Times

It may not be an environment that matches ours".

The New York Times

"If anything, we need an environment that makes people calmer".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific feature of the environment, follow "an environment that" with a verb that clearly articulates the characteristic or function. For instance, "an environment that fosters creativity" provides a more concrete image than simply "an environment that is good".

Common error

Avoid using vague adjectives like "nice" or "okay" after "an environment that". Instead, use descriptive verbs or adjectives that provide specific information about what the environment does or is like. For example, instead of "an environment that is nice", try "an environment that supports collaboration".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an environment that" functions as a relative clause introducer, setting up a description or specification of a particular environment. As Ludwig AI points out, it's used to explain what characterizes or defines the environment in question. The examples show its use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an environment that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a defining characteristic of an environment. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequent in written English. It's commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Science, with a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. To maximize clarity, follow "an environment that" with specific and descriptive language rather than vague adjectives. Consider alternatives like "a setting which" or "a condition where" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a setting which

Replaces "environment" with "setting" and uses "which" instead of "that" to introduce the relative clause.

a condition where

Substitutes "environment" with "condition" and "that" with "where", emphasizing the circumstances.

a situation that

Replaces "environment" with "situation", focusing on a specific set of circumstances.

a context in which

Emphasizes the surrounding circumstances or conditions by using "context".

a climate where

Changes "environment" to "climate", suggesting the prevailing conditions or atmosphere.

a framework that

Replaces "environment" with "framework", highlighting the structure or support system.

a backdrop which

Uses "backdrop" instead of "environment", implying a setting or background against which something occurs.

a sphere that

Substitutes "environment" with "sphere", indicating a particular area of activity or influence.

a medium that

Replaces "environment" with "medium", referring to the substance or surrounding in which something exists or thrives.

a world where

Changes "environment" to "world", suggesting a complete and distinct setting.

FAQs

How can I use "an environment that" in a sentence?

Use "an environment that" to introduce a clause describing the characteristics or purpose of a specific setting. For example, "a classroom should be an environment that encourages participation".

What are some alternatives to using "an environment that"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a setting which", "a "condition where"", or "a "context in which"" to express similar ideas.

Is it better to use "environment that" or "environment which"?

Both "that" and "which" can be used as relative pronouns, but "that" is generally preferred in defining relative clauses (clauses that are essential to the meaning of the sentence). Thus, "an environment that" is often the more common and appropriate choice.

How does the choice of words after "an environment that" affect the sentence meaning?

The words that follow "an environment that" determine the specific qualities or functions you're attributing to that environment. Choosing precise and descriptive verbs and adjectives is crucial for conveying the intended meaning clearly and effectively. For example, compare "an environment that is safe" to "an environment that promotes innovation".