that gave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that gave" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that provided or offered something in the past. Example: "The book that gave me the most inspiration was a classic novel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The boost that gave us was incredible.

Independent

What a lift that gave me".

Independent

That gave me courage".

The Guardian

That gave me pause.

The New York Times - Magazine

That gave him power".

The New York Times

That gave us pause.

The New York Times

That gave me heart".

Independent

"That gave Chris confidence".

The New York Times - Sports

That gave L.S.U.

The New York Times - Sports

That gave me wings".

The New York Times - Sports

That gave Jake Clemons pause.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that gave" in your writing, ensure clarity by explicitly stating what was given and to whom or what it was given. This enhances comprehension and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "that gave" in overly simplistic sentences where more concise alternatives could enhance clarity and flow. For example, instead of "The training that gave him confidence", consider "The training instilled confidence in him".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that gave" functions as a relative clause introducing a clause that modifies a noun, indicating a cause-and-effect relationship. It's used to specify how something provided or led to a particular outcome. Examples in Ludwig illustrate how "that gave" connects an action or event with its result.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that gave" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that expresses a cause-and-effect relationship. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and "Very common", particularly in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "which provided" or "that afforded" exist, "that gave" remains a clear and effective way to express how something provided or enabled a particular outcome. When using "that gave", focus on clarity and consider the context to ensure it aligns with the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which provided

Emphasizes the action of supplying or making something available.

which offered

Highlights the act of presenting or making something accessible.

that afforded

Focuses on granting an opportunity or possibility.

that contributed to

Indicates a causal relationship, where something played a part in achieving a result.

that led to

Suggests a direct consequence or outcome.

that resulted in

Similar to "that led to", but with a stronger emphasis on the resulting state.

that created

Focuses on the act of bringing something new into existence.

that produced

Similar to "that created", emphasizing the generation of something.

which generated

Suggests the creation of something, often in a more dynamic or active sense.

that instilled

Highlights the act of gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person's mind.

FAQs

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

Use "that gave" to show a direct cause-and-effect relationship, where one thing provides something to another. For instance, "The scholarship "that gave" him the opportunity to study abroad changed his life".

What are some alternatives to "that gave"?

You can use phrases like "which provided", "that afforded", or "which offered" as alternatives to "that gave", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "that gave" or "which gave"?

Both "that gave" and "which gave" can be grammatically correct, but "that" is typically used in restrictive clauses that are essential to the sentence's meaning, while "which" is used in non-restrictive clauses that add extra information. Choose based on whether the clause is essential or just additional information.

Can "that gave" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "that gave" is appropriate for formal writing. However, ensure the sentence structure is clear and concise. In some cases, more sophisticated vocabulary might be preferred, but "that gave" is acceptable.