it contained that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it contained that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that includes or holds a specific element or information within it. Example: "The report was comprehensive; it contained that crucial data we needed for our analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

English was multicultural long before it contained that word.

The Guardian - Opinion

Suddenly, a 3.5-inch piece of glass that could slip into your pocket was connected to the whole digital world; in effect, it contained that world in its entirety.

The New Yorker

This wasn't just for the little woman to keep her lipstick and tissues in for weeping females and children: it contained that vital equipment, the police notebook and pencil.

The Guardian

Senator Daniel Webster excoriated the idea in the House of Representatives in December 1814: "Where is it written in the constitution, in what article or section is it contained, that you may take children from their parents, and parents from their children, and compel them to fight battles of any war, in which the folly or the wickedness of government may engage it?

The Guardian - Opinion

Beauchamp had hoped to publish his work before his execution, but the libelous charges it contained – that prosecution witnesses committed perjury and bribery to see him convicted – delayed its publication.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

And, of course, it contains that essential Post-ness: it's cheeky, irreverent, wide-eyed, scurrilous, lurid.

The Guardian

This abbreviation's only redeeming feature is that it contains that murmuring under-butler of punctuation marks, the semicolon.

The Guardian - Books

It is not the gaudy mugs and tacky souvenirs it contains that are in important, but the sentimental value they hold.

The Guardian - Film

The perception category lists the elements of an environment and the objects it contains that are perceived differently depending on the state of the body.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Seems like regardless of the policy it contains, that is something we can only aspire to do some day.

Huffington Post

The site is so varied in the information that it contains that not all of its features can be reviewed here.

AoB PLANTS

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it contained that" to clearly indicate that something included specific elements or information, especially when describing documents, reports, or physical objects. For example: "The contract was detailed; it contained that crucial clause."

Common error

Avoid using "it contained that" in overly complex sentences where simpler alternatives like "it included" or restructuring the sentence would improve clarity. Overcomplicating can obscure the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it contained that" functions as a clause element, specifically a subject-verb-object structure where "it" is the subject, "contained" is the verb, and "that" introduces the object clause. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it contained that" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, though not exceedingly common. Ludwig AI analysis of various sources indicates its primary function is to specify the inclusion of certain elements or information within a subject. While versatile, writers should consider context and clarity, opting for more concise phrasing in formal settings to prevent wordiness. The phrase is found most frequently in News & Media and Scientific sources. Remember to use it accurately to describe the contents of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it included those

Replaces "contained" with "included", emphasizing the presence of specific items within something.

it incorporated that

Substitutes "contained" with "incorporated", suggesting a more integrated or structural inclusion.

it comprised that

Uses "comprised" instead of "contained", highlighting that something is made up of specific elements.

it held that

Replaces "contained" with "held", focusing on the capacity to keep or support something within.

it embodied that

Changes "contained" to "embodied", indicating a more abstract representation or expression.

it encompassed that

Uses "encompassed" instead of "contained", suggesting a broader scope of inclusion.

it consisted of that

Emphasizes the composition of something using "consisted of" instead of "contained".

it featured that

Substitutes "contained" with "featured", highlighting prominent or noteworthy elements.

that was found within it

Restructures the sentence to emphasize the discovery or existence of something inside.

that was part of it

Rephrases the sentence to indicate that something was an element or component of it.

FAQs

How can I use "it contained that" in a sentence?

You can use "it contained that" to indicate that something included specific elements or information. For instance, "The file was corrupted; it contained that sensitive document".

What are some alternatives to "it contained that"?

Alternatives include "it included that", "it comprised that", or "it held that" depending on the context.

Is "it contained that" formal or informal?

The phrase "it contained that" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more concise options might be preferred in formal writing.

What's the difference between "it contained that" and "it included that"?

While similar, "it contained that" suggests holding or encompassing something, whereas "it included that" simply indicates that something was part of it. The nuance depends on the specific context.