that are used

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that are used" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe or specify something that is currently being utilized or put into action. Here are a few examples: 1. "The tools that are used in construction have evolved significantly over the years." 2. "These are the methods that are used to measure employee satisfaction." 3. "The ingredients that are used in this dish are all locally sourced." 4. "We only sell products that are used by reputable companies." 5. "These are the materials that are used in the production of our furniture." In each of these sentences, the phrase "that are used" is used to provide information about something that is currently in use or commonly utilized.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

By the materials that are used?

The Guardian - Arts

We get groups that are used to being indoors.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And these are men that are used to seeing death".

The New Yorker

"It's textbook things that are used all the time now".

The New York Times

"But the prayers that are used, the rites that are used, are the same as ones used for a parishioner in the smallest church".

The New York Times

Residents are accustomed to explosions -- but of butane gas canisters that are used for cooking.

The New York Times

Advanced Cerametrics, in Lambertville, makes ceramic fibers that are used in tennis rackets to control vibration.

The New York Times

"There are things that are used by the county executive to get free publicity," he said.

The New York Times

The company Longevinex makes capsules containing 40 milligrams of resveratrol that are used by several researchers.

The New York Times - Health

Amines chemical compounds that are used in wood treatment, pharmaceutical processing and coatings.

The New York Times

The company manufactures filters that are used in the pharmaceutical, aerospace and semiconductor industries.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure that the noun modified by the relative clause "that are used" is clear and specific. This improves the clarity of your writing and avoids ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "the methods that are used", specify "the statistical methods that are used".

Common error

Avoid using "which are used" when introducing a defining relative clause, which is essential for identifying the noun. Use "that are used" instead. "Which are used" is more appropriate for non-defining clauses, which add extra information but are not essential to the sentence's meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that are used" functions as a relative clause, specifically a defining relative clause. It modifies a noun by providing essential information about it, clarifying which specific items or methods are being referred to. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that are used" functions as a relative clause to specify or describe nouns, clarifying which particular items or methods are being referenced. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently employed across a wide range of contexts. Its versatility allows it to be used in formal, neutral, and even informal settings, although it appears most commonly in news media and scientific publications. When using "that are used", ensure the noun it modifies is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases such as "which are employed" or "that are utilized" can add formality if needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that are typically used

Adds emphasis on common use.

which are employed

Uses a more formal synonym for "used", namely "employed".

that are intended for

Emphasizes the intended purpose.

which get used

Emphasizes the passive reception of being used.

that are designed for

Focuses on the design intent.

that see use

Focuses on the action of being used.

that are suitable for

Highlights the suitability for a particular use.

that find application

Implies the phrase is suitable for specific applications.

that one uses

Shifts focus to the user of the object or method.

that serve to

Highlights purpose or function.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "that are used" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "which are employed", "that are utilized", or "that are implemented". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "that are used" and "that are being used"?

"That are used" implies a general or habitual usage, while "that are being used" emphasizes a current or ongoing usage. For instance, "the tools that are used" refers to tools generally employed, whereas "the tools that are being used" refers to tools currently in action.

Is it correct to use "which are used" instead of "that are used"?

While both can be grammatically correct, "that are used" is generally preferred for defining relative clauses (essential information), while "which are used" is more suitable for non-defining relative clauses (additional, non-essential information).

How to use "that are used" in a sentence?

Use "that are used" to specify or describe something currently being utilized. For example, "The techniques "that are used" in this study are innovative" clarifies which techniques are being discussed.