that is active

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that is active" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is currently in operation or functioning, often in a technical or descriptive context. Example: "The software has several modes, and the one that is active allows for real-time data processing."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Choose a break activity that is active, rather than passive.

WikiHow

There was still activity in the VTA, the part of the brain that is active when you are in love.

The Guardian - Opinion

Proteolytic activation of the latent complex releases freely diffusible mature TGF-β that is active at distant sites [ 64].

Fibrogenesis and Tissue Repair

"There's plenty of research that is active.

The New York Times - Sports

He is the scion of a wealthy Michigan family that is active in Republican politics.

The New York Times

They must develop a strategy that is active rather than reactive.

Harvard Business Review

"It really has to be a facility that is active year-round".

The New York Times - Sports

Zanamivir, antiviral drug that is active against both influenza type A and influenza type B viruses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Oseltamivir, antiviral drug that is active against both influenza type A and influenza type B viruses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Miyamoto, S. et al. Coxsackievirus B3 is an oncolytic virus with immunostimulatory properties that is active against lung adenocarcinoma.

Nature

Furthermore, the self-schema that is active at our place of work may be quite different from the self-schema that is active at home, and the one that is active when dating might be quite unlike the self-schema that is most active when we marry.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that is active", ensure the context clearly defines what 'active' means in that specific situation. For instance, specify whether it refers to being functionally operational, chemically reactive, or socially engaged.

Common error

Avoid using "that is active" without a clear antecedent. The reader should easily understand what the 'that' refers to. Otherwise, rephrase for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that is active" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun by providing additional information about its current state or condition. It specifies which particular item or entity is currently engaged in some action or process, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that is active" is a grammatically sound and versatile relative clause used to describe something currently in operation or engaged in a process. Ludwig confirms its correctness and highlights its prevalence across various domains, particularly science, news, and academia. While its meaning is generally clear, it's essential to ensure the context clarifies the specific meaning of 'active' in each instance. Alternatives such as "which is functioning" or "that is operating" can offer nuanced variations. Remember to avoid ambiguity by ensuring a clear reference for 'that'. Overall, this phrase is a valuable tool for precise and descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which is functioning

Focuses on the functional aspect, implying a working state.

which is operating

Similar to 'functioning' but emphasizes the process of operation.

that is in operation

Emphasizes the state of being operational.

that is currently running

Implies a continuous process or execution.

that is in effect

Highlights the validity or enforceability of something.

that is live

Suggests something is currently accessible or being broadcast.

which is underway

Focuses on the progress or continuation of an activity.

that is working

Emphasizes the capability to perform a task.

that is enabled

Highlights that something is activated or permitted to function.

that is engaged

Implies a state of being involved or participating.

FAQs

How can I use "that is active" in a sentence?

Use "that is active" to describe something currently functioning or engaged in a process. For example, "The region "that is active" extends along the eastern border."

What are some alternatives to saying "that is active"?

You can use alternatives like "which is functioning", "that is operating", or "which is underway" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "that is active" and "which is active"?

While both are grammatically correct, "that is active" is typically used in restrictive clauses (essential to the sentence's meaning), while "which is active" is used in non-restrictive clauses (adding extra information). In practice, they are often used interchangeably.

When is it best to use "that is active" in formal writing?

Use "that is active" in formal writing to provide a precise description of something currently in a state of operation or engagement. Ensure that the subject to which it refers is unambiguous.