policy that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "policy that" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used in formal or academic writing to introduce a specific policy that is being discussed or referenced. Example: The new budget proposal includes a policy that aims to reduce carbon emissions by 50% within the next five years.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

For others it is policy that counts.

The New York Times

It was foreign policy that fuelled radicalisation.

The Guardian - Opinion

She added, "A policy that has broad support".

The New York Times

What about the policy that bears his name?

The Economist

It isn't just tax policy that pushes women out.

The Economist

"China pursues a defense policy that is defensive in nature".

The New York Times

"They don't understand a policy that isolates Cuba.

The Economist

But it's not just British policy that gets messed up.

The New York Times

It was progressive educational policy that brought Fishbone together.

The New York Times

For a sustainability policy, that might prove an unsustainable mix.

The Economist

They favour recent policy towards Ukraine; Russian policy that is.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "policy that", ensure the clause following "that" clearly defines or describes a specific aspect or characteristic of the policy. This helps to avoid ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "policy that" without a clear, specific description of the policy's actions or effects. A vague statement can render the phrase meaningless. Instead, ensure to specify the tangible consequences or mechanisms of the "policy that".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "policy that" functions as a relative clause introducer, connecting a noun ("policy") to a clause that provides additional information or specifies a characteristic of that policy. This construction helps to define and clarify the specific nature or purpose of the policy being discussed, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "policy that" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that introduces a relative clause to define or describe a particular attribute, function, or consequence of a policy. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase commonly appears in formal contexts, such as news, business, and academic settings. When using "policy that", ensure the following clause is clear and specific to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "a policy which" or "the implemented policy" can provide subtle changes in emphasis, depending on the context. The frequent use of "policy that" in authoritative sources confirms its reliability and widespread acceptance in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a policy which

Replaces "that" with "which", a subtle change in relative pronoun usage, suitable for non-restrictive clauses.

the policy implemented

Focuses on the action of implementing a policy, shifting the emphasis slightly.

the established policy

Emphasizes the policy's existence and acceptance.

a guideline that

Substitutes "policy" with "guideline", indicating a less formal rule or recommendation.

the regulation that

Replaces "policy" with "regulation", implying a more formal and legally binding rule.

a strategy that

Substitutes "policy" with "strategy", focusing on the plan or method aspect.

the approach taken

Highlights the manner or method used in addressing a specific issue or implementing a policy.

a measure designed to

Shifts focus to the intended purpose of the policy, emphasizing its design.

the framework for

Replaces "policy" with "framework", suggesting a broader structure or foundation.

an initiative intended to

Highlights the proactive and purposeful nature of the policy.

FAQs

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

Use "policy that" to introduce a defining characteristic or function of a specific policy. For example, "The company adopted a "policy that" encourages remote work" shows a policy's impact.

What are some alternatives to "policy that"?

Alternatives include "a policy which", "the implemented policy", or "regulation that", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

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

While both are grammatically acceptable, "that" is generally used for restrictive clauses (essential to the sentence's meaning), whereas "which" is used for non-restrictive clauses (adding extra information). In practice, the choice often depends on stylistic preference.

How to make "policy that" more specific?

Follow "policy that" with a verb and a direct object/complement that explains the impact or goal of the policy, as well as provide specific outcomes expected of it to add clarity and purpose.