that act as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that act as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that functions in a particular role or capacity. Example: "The enzymes that act as catalysts speed up the chemical reactions in the body."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

EBay tried to make that act as easy as possible.

The New Yorker

There still are people that act as tour guides.

The New York Times

There also are heteropterans that act as carriers of disease.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There are no devices that act as central coordinator.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

SDs are centralized cache entities that act as services' directory.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

UBUBU has designed cartoonish planets that act as "virtual bookmarks".

Forbes

The time-correlated single photon counting system has modified photomultiplier tubes that act as photon detectors.

Thin Solid Films

It also enables functionalization of the hydrogel with moieties that act as sensors.

Comprehensive Biomaterials

Chemokines are low-molecular-weight, secreted proteins that act as leukocyte-specific chemoattractants.

Advances in Pharmacology

Although some variables that act as barriers for one organization were identified as enablers for another.

Energy and Buildings

Elastomer composites with ferromagnetic particles that act as magnetorheological fluids are used.

Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that act as", ensure the subject clearly indicates the entity performing the action and the role it's undertaking. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences where the agent "that act as" is unclear or obscured. Ensure that the sentence structure actively showcases the subject's role rather than passively stating it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that act as" functions as a relative clause modifying a noun. It introduces a descriptive element, specifying the role or function of the noun it modifies. Ludwig examples show its use in defining the purpose of various entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

11%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that act as" serves as a versatile tool for specifying the function or role of a noun within a sentence. As Ludwig shows, it is widely used across various domains, particularly in science, news, and formal business contexts. Given its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, employing "that act as" can significantly enhance the clarity and precision of your writing. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is both valid and useful in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that function as

Emphasizes the functional role or purpose of something.

that serve as

Highlights the service or purpose something provides.

that operate as

Focuses on the way something works or its method of functioning.

that work as

Indicates the practical application or job something performs.

that behave as

Highlights the manner in which something conducts itself or reacts.

that perform as

Stresses the execution of a task or duty.

that fulfill the role of

Formally emphasizes the part or function something plays.

that have the function of

Clearly states the purpose or job of something.

that are used as

Highlights the utility or application of something.

that are employed as

Focuses on the active use or engagement of something for a specific purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "that act as" in a sentence?

Use "that act as" to describe something's function or role. For example, "Enzymes "that act as" catalysts speed up chemical reactions."

What is a good substitute for "that act as"?

Alternatives include "that function as", "that serve as", or "that operate as" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "that act as" or "which act as"?

"That act as" is generally preferred in restrictive clauses (essential to the sentence's meaning), while "which act as" is used in non-restrictive clauses (providing additional, non-essential information).

How does "that act as" differ from "that are"?

"That act as" implies a function or role being performed, whereas "that are" simply states a characteristic or state of being. For example, "proteins "that act as" enzymes" describes a function, while "proteins that are large" describes a characteristic.