communities that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "communities that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a clause describing a group of people sharing a common characteristic. For example: "Communities that rely on fishing as their primary source of income are often vulnerable to financial instability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Can communities that want to opt in handle it?

The New York Times

Do the microbial communities that were in the gut recover?

The New York Times - Science

The development of communities that are distinctive and unique.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Communities that were built around a single profession were devastated.

The Economist

These are the communities that Biden spoke of in 2008.

The New Yorker

It is often poorest within the communities that are disadvantaged.

The Guardian

He praised the rescuers and communities that banded together.

The Guardian

How can they persuade communities that higher education matters?

The Guardian

He likes communities that, to outsiders, seem nowhere in particular.

The New Yorker

And there are many communities that have requested our support".

The New Yorker

"And we couldn't find any communities that needed pillars".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "communities that", ensure the following clause clearly defines a specific characteristic or attribute that applies to those communities.

Common error

Avoid using overly general descriptions after "communities that". Be specific and provide concrete details to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "communities that" functions as a noun phrase followed by a relative clause, modifying the noun "communities". It introduces information that further specifies or describes the communities being referred to. This is supported by Ludwig, which indicates its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "communities that" is a grammatically correct and very common construction used to introduce a relative clause that specifies a characteristic of a group of communities. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to categorize and describe these communities based on shared attributes. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, with frequent usage in news media, formal business communications, and scientific writing. When using the phrase, ensure the following clause is clear, specific, and relevant to the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

groups which

Replaces "communities" with the more generic term "groups" and uses "which" instead of "that".

collectives that

Uses "collectives" to highlight the shared nature and collaborative aspect of communities.

societies which

Substitutes "communities" with "societies", emphasizing a more structured and organized collective.

neighborhoods that

Refers to smaller, more localized communities within a larger area.

populations who

Emphasizes the people within the communities, using "populations" instead of "communities" and "who" instead of "that".

clusters which

Implies a tighter, more localized grouping than "communities" with the use of "clusters".

segments that

Replaces "communities" with "segments", suggesting a portion or division of a larger group.

regions that

Similar to "areas that" but suggests a larger, more defined geographical extent.

areas that

Focuses on the geographical aspect of communities, using "areas" instead of "communities".

sets which

Uses the term "sets" to indicate a collection or group of entities.

FAQs

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

Use "communities that" to introduce a relative clause that describes a specific attribute or characteristic shared by those communities. For example, "communities that lack access to clean water often face significant health challenges."

What are some alternatives to "communities that"?

Alternatives include phrases like "groups which", "societies which", or "populations who", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "communities that" and "communities which"?

While both "that" and "which" can be used to introduce relative clauses, "that" is generally used for restrictive clauses (essential to the meaning of the sentence), and "which" for non-restrictive clauses (adding extra information). In most cases, "communities that" is appropriate for defining the communities being discussed.

What contexts are most suitable for using "communities that"?

"Communities that" is suitable for a wide range of contexts, including discussions about social issues, environmental concerns, and economic development. It is appropriate in both formal and informal settings.