that haunts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that haunts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes persistent distress or discomfort, often in a psychological or emotional context. Example: "The memory of that day still haunts me, making it difficult to move on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That haunts.

The New Yorker

That haunts me.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is a "betrayal" that haunts him.

The New Yorker

"Just like the monkey that haunts me.

The New York Times - Arts

That's something that haunts me.

The Guardian

It's a question that haunts the book.

The New York Times

And that's the thing that haunts me.

The Guardian - Books

It is a question that haunts the dystopian tradition.

The New Yorker

But it's the sentence I asked for that haunts me.

The New York Times - Magazine

But the image that haunts him most is rather mundane.

The New York Times

It is the materiality of the whale that haunts me.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure that the subject doing the haunting is clearly identified or implied. This provides context and helps the reader understand the source of the haunting influence.

Common error

Avoid using "that haunts" for minor inconveniences or fleeting thoughts. The phrase carries a weight of seriousness and is best reserved for situations with lasting emotional consequences.

Linguistic Context

That haunts functions as a relative clause modifying a noun or pronoun, adding a layer of persistent negative influence or emotional distress. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it connects a preceding element (memory, image, question) to its lasting, often unsettling impact.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that haunts" is a relative clause used to describe something causing persistent distress or discomfort. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, highlighting its prevalence in News & Media. While versatile, it's best reserved for significant emotional impacts, avoiding overuse in trivial scenarios. For alternatives, consider "that lingers" or "that troubles" to adjust the intensity. Remember that the choice of "that haunts" must be deliberate, ensuring it accurately reflects the enduring weight of the subject it modifies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that lingers

Focuses on the enduring presence of something.

that troubles

Highlights the concern or worry caused by something.

that shadows

Focuses on the presence of something dark or ominous.

that plagues

Implies a persistent and widespread negative influence.

that preys on

Emphasizes a more aggressive or predatory aspect of something affecting someone's mind.

that burdens

Highlights the weight or responsibility caused by something.

that torments

Suggests intense suffering or mental anguish.

that dogs

Suggests relentless pursuit or hounding.

that obsesses

Indicates a dominating and intrusive thought or feeling.

that overshadows

Highlights the dominance or importance of something else.

FAQs

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

You can use "that haunts" to describe something that persistently affects someone's thoughts or emotions. For example: "The memory of the accident is something "that haunts" him."

What phrases are similar to "that haunts"?

Similar phrases include "that lingers", "that troubles", and "that plagues". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "that haunts" in formal writing?

Yes, "that haunts" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when conveying a sense of persistent emotional or psychological impact. However, ensure the context warrants the phrase's serious tone.

What's the difference between "that haunts" and "that bothers"?

"That bothers" implies a mild annoyance or irritation, while "that haunts" suggests a deeper, more persistent emotional or psychological effect. Use "that haunts" when the impact is significant and long-lasting.