an individual that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an individual that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a person in a more formal or specific context, often in academic or professional writing. Example: "An individual that demonstrates strong leadership skills can significantly impact team dynamics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An act by an individual that causes a railroad carrier to be in violation is a violation.

Cornell University

"It's about the background of an individual that needs to be checked out".

The New York Times

I am simply an individual that feels for the people, that feels their pain, their hopes".

The New York Times

On impact, it leaves a powerful stench on an individual that strongly offends anyone standing nearby.

The Economist

And yet it is an individual that often stands out for creative contributions to the most successful games.

The New York Times - Tech

Unconscious, also called Subconscious, the complex of mental activities within an individual that proceed without his awareness.

Britannica

"To have at our helm an individual that has abused his power is a tragedy," Currier said.

The Washington Post

However, what's often behind such accomplishments is a way of thinking, particular to an individual, that made success possible.

Harvard Business Review

3. What concrete skills and resources (be creative) do you have as an individual that can contribute to future campaigns?

Harvard University

Curtis Granderson, the team's All-Star center fielder, said, "A manager has to be an individual that can handle multiple personalities.

The New Yorker

"I had worked for an individual that said you do what you want to and you spend what you want to," Noe said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an individual that" in formal writing or when precision is needed. It adds a layer of specificity compared to "a person who".

Common error

Avoid using "an individual that" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "someone who" or "a person who" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an individual that" functions as a relative clause, modifying the noun "individual" by providing additional information or specifying which individual is being referred to. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

11%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an individual that" serves as a relative clause to precisely define a person, primarily within formal, scientific, and news-related contexts. While grammatically sound, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's most effective when a degree of formality or precision is desired. For more casual settings, simpler alternatives such as "a person who" or "someone who" are generally preferred. The phrase sees frequent usage in authoritative sources like The New York Times, Huffington Post, and Forbes, showing its relevance in contemporary writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a person who

Replaces "individual" with a more common term and uses "who" instead of "that".

an individual who

Maintains the formal tone but uses "who" instead of "that".

someone who

Uses "someone" for a less formal tone and "who" as the relative pronoun.

a person that

Replaces "individual" with a more common term, but keeps "that".

one who

Offers a slightly more formal alternative using "one" instead of "individual".

anyone who

Implies any person meeting the criteria.

a member who

Used when referring to membership in a group.

a candidate who

Used when referring to someone seeking a position or role.

a subject that

Suitable in scientific contexts.

a party that

Replaces "individual" with a legal term.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "an individual that"?

Use "an individual that" in formal writing or situations where you need to be precise. It's common in legal, academic, and professional contexts. In everyday conversation, consider using alternatives like "a person who" or "someone who".

What are some alternatives to "an individual that"?

Alternatives include "a person who", "someone who", "one who", or simply using the noun that describes the person (e.g., "a student who", "an employee who").

Is there a difference between "an individual that" and "an individual who"?

While both are grammatically correct, "who" is generally preferred when referring to people. Using "that" is not incorrect, but "who" is considered more natural in most cases. Therefore, "an individual who" is often the better choice.

Can I use "which" instead of "that" or "who" with "an individual"?

No, "which" is generally used for non-human subjects. When referring to people, use "who" or, less commonly, "that". Using "which" would be grammatically incorrect in this context.