that contains

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that contains" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is often used to refer to a specific portion of a sentence or text that includes important information or details. Example: "The first paragraph of the report contains a summary of our findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So is any beverage that contains alcohol.

The New York Times - Health

It's the bass that contains the sadness?

The Guardian - Music

Use a product that contains chlorothalonil.

Cornell University

A zip file that contains the data.

Stanford University

It is a small plastic sphere that contains, well, nothing.

The New York Times - Tech

Twinlab makes a supplement, Ocuguard Plus, that contains lutein.

The New York Times - Health

Some try an IUD that contains synthetic progesterone.

The New York Times

And a pudding that contains something nice like meringue.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is a singular poem that contains multitudes.

The New York Times - Books

Water must be collected from a river that contains landmines.

The Guardian

A pixel is the smallest picture element that contains color.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that contains" to clearly indicate the presence of specific elements or components within a defined entity. This helps to ensure precision and clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "that contains" in excessively simple sentences where a more direct verb like "includes" or "has" would be more concise and impactful. Instead of "The box that contains books is heavy", try "The box with books is heavy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that contains" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun by specifying what it includes. Ludwig's examples show it linking a noun to its contents or components. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

16%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that contains" is a versatile relative clause used to specify the contents or components of a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. While very common across various contexts like news, academia, and general writing, it's important to consider conciseness and avoid overuse in simple sentences. Alternative phrases like "which includes" or "that comprises" can offer subtle variations in meaning. Remember to use "that contains" to clearly and precisely define what an item or entity includes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which includes

Uses a different relative pronoun and a more direct verb, emphasizing inclusion.

that encompasses

Implies a broader scope of inclusion, suggesting a comprehensive coverage.

that comprises

Suggests a formal composition of elements, often used in technical contexts.

that is composed of

Highlights the constituent parts of something, indicating a structured formation.

which holds

Focuses on the containment aspect, implying something is held within.

that features

Emphasizes prominent or noteworthy elements within something.

that incorporates

Suggests a deliberate integration of elements into a whole.

that embodies

Implies a representation of something abstract within a concrete form.

that integrates

Highlights the blending or combination of different components.

that is made up of

Focuses on the materials or components used to create something.

FAQs

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

Use "that contains" to specify what an item or entity includes. For example, "a file "that contains data"" or "a recipe "that contains nuts"".

What are some alternatives to "that contains"?

Alternatives include "which includes", "that comprises", or "that holds", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "that contains"?

While grammatically correct, using "that contains" can sometimes make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or wordy. In simpler contexts, using a more direct verb like "has" or "includes" can improve clarity and conciseness.

What is the difference between "that contains" and "that includes"?

"That contains" implies physical or abstract inclusion, while "that includes" often suggests a listing or enumeration of items. For example, "a box that contains books" versus "a list that includes names".