people that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "people that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a specific group of people. For example: "There are many people that support this cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"People that night were petrified".

The New Yorker

Are people that willfully tech-illiterate?

The New York Times

Some people, that is, have some money.

The New Yorker

I know people that can help you.

The New York Times

Britain lost 67 people that day.

The New York Times

People that are outspoken attract the heat.

The New York Times

The people that were chanting "Pakistan Zindabad!

The New York Times

Tell people that I work with moms?

The New York Times

For many people, that was Mr. Sylvester.

The New York Times

People that didn't lose it.

BBC

"I want people that are ambitious.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "people that", ensure it clearly refers to a specific group within a larger population. This helps maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "people that" can sound less formal than alternatives like "those who" or "individuals who". Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when deciding whether to use this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "people that" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun by providing additional information about a specific group of people. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Academia

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "people that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase functioning as a relative clause to specify a group of individuals. According to Ludwig AI, it is best used in neutral to informal contexts, with alternatives like "those who" or "individuals who" being more suitable for formal writing. While the phrase is widely accepted, considering the audience and tone is crucial for effective communication. Ludwig's examples and analysis highlight the versatility and proper application of this phrase in various writing scenarios, primarily within News & Media and Wiki sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

individuals who

Replaces "people that" with a more formal and precise term.

those who

Offers a concise and grammatically sound alternative.

persons that

A less common but still acceptable formal alternative.

folks who

Provides a more informal and colloquial substitute.

individuals that

Similar to "individuals who" but with a slight difference in emphasis.

those people who

Adds emphasis by specifying "those people".

the ones who

A more casual way to refer to a specific group.

members who

Use if you are referring to a specific group of members.

citizens who

Suitable when referring to people within a country or city.

residents that

Useful when referring to inhabitants of a specific area.

FAQs

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

Use "people that" to specify a group of people sharing a common characteristic or performing a specific action. For example, "There are many "people that volunteer" their time to help the community".

What are some alternatives to using "people that"?

You can use alternatives such as "those who", "individuals who", or "persons who" depending on the level of formality required.

Is "people that" grammatically correct?

Yes, "people that" is generally considered grammatically correct, although some may prefer the more formal "people who" in certain contexts.

What's the difference between "people that" and "people who"?

While both are generally acceptable, "people who" is often preferred in more formal writing. "People that" is more commonly used in spoken English and less formal contexts.