species that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "species that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to specific types or categories of organisms within the biological classification system. Example: "The species that inhabit this region are known for their unique adaptations to the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's rare plant species that grow there".

The New York Times

There are many species that are not declining.

The Guardian

"It's a species that is often sold," he said.

The Guardian

We are the only species that has dominated the planet.

The Guardian

For most mosquito species, that is less than a week.

The New York Times

"Cats are a domesticated species that don't belong outside.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Agamospecies are species that lack some property: sex.

The Guardian

"This is a species that is really made for invading".

The New York Times - Science

Shop for sturdy species that don't require staking.

The New York Times

Happily for our benighted species, that very process has begun.

The New York Times - Arts

Passenger pigeons, a species that obsessed Dr. Church's former student.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about specific biological or ecological contexts, ensure that you use the phrase "species that" to clearly indicate you are referring to particular groups of organisms with shared characteristics.

Common error

Avoid using "species that" when referring to broad, non-biological categories. It is more appropriate for scientific or technical contexts where precise classification is important.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "species that" functions as a relative clause, modifying the noun "species" and providing further information or specifications about it. This clause helps to narrow down or define which species are being referred to, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

24%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "species that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction, particularly within scientific, academic, and news contexts. Ludwig confirms that it functions as a relative clause, serving to categorize and specify organisms based on shared attributes. Its neutral to formal register makes it suitable for technical discussions. To ensure clarity, use "species that" when referring to specific biological categories, while avoiding overgeneralization in non-biological contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

types that

Replaces "species" with a more general term for categories.

kinds that

Similar to "types that", offering a broader categorical reference.

organisms that

Focuses on living entities, suitable for biological contexts.

varieties that

Highlights different forms within a broader group.

races that

Implies a shared ancestry or origin within a population.

classes that

Emphasizes a structured or hierarchical classification.

genera that

Uses a specific taxonomic rank, more precise than "species".

groupings that

Focuses on the act of assembling or classifying entities.

examples that

Highlights instances that represent a specific category.

categories that

Focuses on the broad classification to which something belongs.

FAQs

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

Use "species that" to describe a particular group of organisms with shared traits, for example, "The "species that" are endemic to this island are highly vulnerable to habitat loss".

What is a good alternative to "species that"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "types of", "kinds of", or "organisms that" to convey a similar meaning, but remember that "species" is specific to biological classification.

Is it correct to say "species which" instead of "species that"?

While both "that" and "which" can be used in relative clauses, "that" is generally preferred for restrictive clauses that are essential to the sentence's meaning. Thus, ""species that"" is often more appropriate.

What's the difference between "species that" and "species which"?

"Species that" introduces essential information defining the species, while "species which" is typically used for nonessential, additional information. However, in modern usage, "that" is often preferred in both cases for simplicity.