16 How to Use That Is in a Sentence Tips

how to use that is in a sentence is a common query among writers seeking precision in English composition, and the phrase itself serves as a guide for constructing clear clauses. For instance, "The report that is submitted tomorrow must include all recent data" demonstrates proper placement of the relative clause. Understanding this construction improves readability and conveys authority.

Clarity in sentence construction has long been prized in academic, professional, and creative contexts. The ability to embed "that is" correctly avoids ambiguity, supports logical flow, and aligns with style guides such as the Chicago Manual of Style and the APA Publication Manual. Mastery of this detail often distinguishes polished writing from drafts.

This article explores the mechanics, common pitfalls, contextual variations, and real‑world examples of using "that is" in a sentence. Readers will find step‑by‑step guidance, actionable tips, and a concise FAQ to reinforce learning.

1. How to Use That Is in a Sentence

The relative pronoun "that" introduces a clause that provides essential information, while "is" functions as the linking verb. Together they form a defining clause that specifies a noun without extra punctuation. For example, "The policy that is enforced uniformly ensures fairness" embeds the clause directly after the noun, making the description indispensable.

Key considerations include maintaining subject‑verb agreement, positioning the clause immediately after the noun it modifies, and avoiding unnecessary commas. When the clause adds essential detail, punctuation is omitted; when it offers non‑essential commentary, a comma‑delimited structure using "which is" is preferred.

2. Common Placement Rules

• Immediate Proximity

  The clause should follow the noun it describes without intervening adjectives or adverbs. Example: "The algorithm that is optimized for speed runs faster." This placement prevents misreading.

• Singular vs. Plural Consistency

  Ensure the verb "is" matches a singular antecedent. Example: "The data sets that is compiled" is incorrect; use "are" instead.

• No Comma Separation

  Defining clauses introduced by "that is" are not set off by commas. Example: "The manuscript that is reviewed today will be published soon." Adding commas would imply a non‑defining clause.

• Avoid Redundancy

  Do not repeat information already conveyed elsewhere. Example: "The meeting that is scheduled for Monday, which is next week," is redundant.

Applying these placement rules consistently enhances syntactic clarity and aligns with formal writing standards across academic journals and corporate communications.

3. Formal vs Casual Contexts

• Academic Writing

  In research papers, "that is" introduces precise definitions. Example: "The variable that is measured represents temperature fluctuations." This precision satisfies peer‑review expectations.

• Business Correspondence

  Professional emails often embed the clause to clarify responsibilities. Example: "The task that is assigned to the team will be completed by Friday." This eliminates ambiguity.

• Creative Narratives

  Authors may use the construction sparingly to maintain flow. Example: "The house that is perched on the hill seemed abandoned." The clause adds atmosphere without breaking narrative rhythm.

While the grammatical rules remain constant, tone and brevity adapt to the audience. Formal contexts favor exactness, whereas casual prose may opt for simpler alternatives like "which is" when the clause is non‑essential.

4. Pitfalls and Misconceptions

A frequent error involves substituting "that" with "who" when referring to inanimate objects, leading to awkward sentences. For example, "The system that is designed" is correct, whereas "The system who is designed" is not.

Another misconception is using "that is" after a plural noun with the singular verb "is." The correct form requires agreement: "The tools that are needed" rather than "that is needed." Ignoring agreement disrupts grammatical harmony.

Finally, writers sometimes insert unnecessary commas, turning a defining clause into a non‑defining one. This shift changes meaning, as in "The policy, that is enforced, improves safety" versus the intended "The policy that is enforced improves safety."

5. Enhancing Clarity with That

• Specify Scope

  Use "that is" to narrow the referent. Example: "The report that is submitted by noon will be reviewed promptly," clearly limits the deadline.

• Eliminate Ambiguity

  When multiple nouns could be antecedents, the clause clarifies. Example: "The contracts that is signed today" removes doubt about which contract is referenced.

• Strengthen Argumentation

  In persuasive essays, the clause adds factual support. Example: "The evidence that is presented demonstrates causality," reinforcing the claim.

• Maintain Parallelism

  When listing several clauses, keep structure consistent. Example: "The procedures that are documented, the guidelines that are followed, and the standards that are met all align with policy."

Strategic use of "that is" not only clarifies meaning but also showcases mastery of complex sentence structures, a valued skill in advanced writing curricula.

6. Real‑World Writing Examples

Journalists often employ the construction to deliver concise facts: "The treaty that is ratified tomorrow will affect trade across borders." This format delivers essential information without extraneous clauses.

Technical manuals rely on precision: "The component that is calibrated annually ensures consistent output." The clause signals a required maintenance schedule, guiding engineers effectively.

In legal documents, specificity is paramount: "The clause that is inserted herein shall remain binding for ten years." Here, the relative clause defines the temporal scope unambiguously.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common queries about using "that is" in a sentence.

Question 1: When should "that is" be used instead of "which is"?

Use "that is" for defining (essential) clauses that restrict the meaning of the preceding noun. "Which is" introduces non‑defining (extra) information, typically set off by commas. The choice affects both punctuation and meaning.

Question 2: Does the verb after "that" always need to be "is"?

No. The verb must agree with the subject of the clause. For singular antecedents, "is" is common, but plural subjects require forms like "are," as in "The tools that are needed."

Question 3: Can "that is" start a sentence?

Starting a sentence with "that is" is acceptable when it introduces a clause that refers back to a previously mentioned idea, but it should be used sparingly to avoid fragmentary sentences.

Question 4: Is a comma ever correct before "that is"?

Generally, no. A comma before "that is" would incorrectly signal a non‑defining clause. Only "which is" pairs with commas for non‑essential information.

Question 5: How does "that is" affect readability?

When used correctly, it streamlines sentences by embedding necessary detail without breaking flow. Misplacement, however, can cause confusion or interrupt the reader’s comprehension.

Question 6: Are there style‑guide preferences for "that is"?

Most major style guides, including Chicago and APA, recommend "that" for defining clauses and advise against commas. Consistency with the chosen guide ensures professional presentation.

Tips

Brief actionable advice for mastering the construction.

Tip 1: Place the clause immediately after the noun it modifies.

Tip 2: Match the verb to the subject’s number (is/are).

Tip 3: Omit commas for defining clauses introduced by "that is".

Tip 4: Use "which is" only for non‑essential information.

Tip 5: Review sentences for redundancy before adding the clause.

Tip 6: Replace vague pronouns with the specific noun followed by "that is".

Tip 7: Test readability by reading the sentence aloud.

Tip 8: Consult a style guide for discipline‑specific conventions.

Tip 9: Keep the clause concise; extra words dilute impact.

Tip 10: Verify subject‑verb agreement after inserting the clause.

Tip 11: Use parallel structure when multiple "that is" clauses appear.

Tip 12: Avoid using "that is" with animate subjects when "who" is appropriate.

Tip 13: In technical writing, pair "that is" with precise terminology.

Tip 14: For emphasis, consider re‑phrasing rather than overusing the construction.

Tip 15: Proofread specifically for misplaced commas around "that is".

Tip 16: Practice by converting sentences with "which is" into "that is" where the information is essential.

Conclusion

The exploration of how to use that is in a sentence reveals a set of clear rules, contextual nuances, and practical benefits. By adhering to placement guidelines, maintaining agreement, and avoiding common pitfalls, writers achieve greater precision and authority.

Continued practice and reference to style guides will ensure that future compositions consistently reflect the clarity and professionalism that effective use of "that is" provides.