that it contains

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that it contains" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the contents or elements included within something, such as a document, object, or concept. Example: "The report is comprehensive, detailing all the data that it contains regarding the project's progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It should encourage prospective employers to read the CV, rather than repeat everything that it contains.

Independent

This differs from a volume rendered model (i.e., 3D visualization) in that it contains exportable surfaces.

3D Printing in Medicine

The E. festucae genome is unusual among ascomycetes in that it contains two kexin-like genes.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

The C/EBPɛ gene differs structurally from C/EBPα and β in that it contains introns.

BioEssays

However, p7 differs from human collagen in that it contains a GPO motif instead of GAO.

Blood

The density of its references implies that it contains secrets.

The New York Times - Magazine

Its weakness is that it contains much we've heard before.

Forbes

The oocyte first duplicates its DNA so that it contains four copies of each chromosome.

eLife

HDAC6 is unique in that it contains two catalytic domains that independently contribute to its activity.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

That it contains multitudes.

The New York Times

Research has also suggested that it contains toxic amino acids.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that it contains" to clearly indicate the inclusion of specific elements or components within a defined subject. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "that it contains" excessively in passive constructions. Instead, try active voice for clearer and more direct writing. For example, instead of "The report showed that it contains several errors", write "The report showed that it included several errors".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that it contains" functions primarily as a relative clause, modifying a noun or pronoun by providing information about what the subject includes or holds. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that it contains" is a grammatically sound and commonly used relative clause that serves to specify the contents or characteristics of a subject. Analysis of example sentences from Ludwig reveals its prevalence across diverse domains, including science, news, and formal writing. While its register is generally neutral, alternative phrases may be selected to achieve a more specific tone. As Ludwig confirms, "that it contains" is a versatile and effective tool for clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which includes

Changes the sentence structure to use "which" instead of "that it".

that it encompasses

Replaces "contains" with a broader term "encompasses", suggesting a more comprehensive inclusion.

that it comprises

Substitutes "contains" with "comprises", focusing on the elements that make up the whole.

that it is composed of

Rephrases to emphasize the constituents forming the subject.

that it holds

Uses "holds" as a more general synonym for "contains".

that it embodies

Implies that the subject is a tangible representation of the contents.

that it features

Highlights that the subject possesses specific prominent elements.

that it incorporates

Suggests the subject integrates the contents into a larger structure.

that it consists of

Focuses on the composition of the subject with a slightly more formal tone.

within it are

Inverts the sentence structure to emphasize the contents themselves.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "that it contains" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "that it encompasses", "that it comprises", or "that it consists of". These options add a layer of sophistication suitable for academic or professional writing.

What are some less formal alternatives to "that it contains"?

In less formal contexts, you can use phrases like "which includes", "that it holds", or simply use "includes" directly after the subject.

Is there a difference between "that it contains" and "which it contains"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "that it contains" is generally used in restrictive clauses (essential to the sentence's meaning), whereas "which it contains" is used in non-restrictive clauses (adds extra information). The choice depends on whether the information is crucial for understanding the sentence.

Can I use "that it contains" at the beginning of a sentence?

Using "that it contains" at the beginning of a sentence is grammatically incorrect. This phrase typically functions as part of a relative clause following a noun or pronoun.