that computes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that computes" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to something that performs calculations or processes data. For example: "The algorithm is efficient and that computes the results quickly." Alternative expressions include "that calculates" and "that processes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Peterson cannot be confined to the stadium, using his spare time to develop a baseball-specific laptop computer and a software program that computes data on every hitter.

The New York Times - Sports

And let's define a function that computes hypothesisTotal for a single part.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

An Efficient Probabilistic Context-Free Parsing Algorithm that Computes Prefix Probabilities.

Cornell University

We provide a game-theoretic solution that computes schedules with near optimal average delays.

University of California, Berkeley

Researchers have produced a working optoelectronic chip that computes electronically but uses light to move information.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And last, the algorithm that computes three-dimensional models from two-dimensional X-rays.

Journal of the Franklin Institute

We describe a heuristic algorithm that computes an approximation to Σmin and a corresponding x.

Theoretical Computer Science

We give the first polynomial-time algorithm that computes the bandwidth of bipartite permutation graphs.

Journal of Discrete Algorithms

We describe an algorithm that computes a reproducible sum of floating point numbers, independent of the order of summation.

University of California, Berkeley

These techniques have been incorporated into a program that computes constructive solid geometry (CSG) operations on polyhedral boundaries.

University of California, Berkeley

This happens especially with code that computes transition rates, or time constants and steady state values of gating state variables.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that computes" primarily when referring to inanimate objects like software, algorithms, chips or mechanical systems. Avoid using it for human thought processes unless you are speaking metaphorically about the brain as a computer.

Common error

A common error is failing to match the singular 'computes' with a singular antecedent. For instance, do not say 'the systems that computes'; instead, use 'the systems "that compute"' or keep the subject singular: 'the system that computes'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that computes" functions as a defining relative clause. It serves to restrict or identify the noun it follows, such as an "algorithm", "program" or "system". According to Ludwig, it is almost exclusively used in technical descriptions where the subject's primary action is the processing of data or mathematical evaluation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

Academia

40%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that computes" is a precise and essential tool for technical and scientific writing. Ludwig AI confirms its extensive usage in high-authority academic and news sources, where it typically describes the active processing power of algorithms, computer chips and software programs. It is most effective when used to define the specific mathematical purpose of a tool. To maintain grammatical accuracy, writers should ensure that the subject preceding the phrase is singular to match the verb "computes". For plural subjects, one should switch to ""that compute"". Overall, this phrase provides a direct and unambiguous way to link a machine or process to its quantitative output.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that calculates

Focuses more on the mathematical result than the general process of computation

which computes

Uses a non-restrictive relative pronoun, often requiring a comma before it

that processes

Broader term that includes data handling beyond just mathematical calculation

for computing

Uses a prepositional phrase to denote the purpose of an object

capable of computing

Emphasizes the ability or potential of the subject rather than the active state

that generates

Focuses on the output produced by the computation

which determines

Implies reaching a specific decision or value through calculation

designed to compute

Highlights the intentionality or engineering behind the subject

responsible for computing

Often used in multi-component systems to define a specific role

executing calculations

More formal and technical, describing the actual run-time action

FAQs

How to use "that computes" in a sentence?

You can use "that computes" to describe the function of a tool or process, such as: "We developed an algorithm "that computes the shortest path" between two nodes".

What is a synonym for "that computes"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "that calculates", "that processes", or "which evaluates".

Is "that computes" formal enough for academic writing?

Yes, it is highly appropriate for scientific and academic contexts. Ludwig shows numerous examples from MIT, Stanford and Cornell where the phrase is used to define mathematical algorithms.

What is the difference between "that computes" and "that calculate"?

The difference is purely grammatical. "that computes" is used with singular subjects (e.g., "an algorithm"), while "that calculate" is used with plural subjects (e.g., "various models").